The efficient capture and immobilization of radioiodine
(I–, IO3
–) is of great
importance
in radioactive waste management. Here, a Cu2O-loaded three-dimensional
bulk cationic hydrogel composite (Cu2O@CH) was successfully
prepared by simple redox reactions and UV photopolymerization, which
realized the rapid enrichment and efficient immobilization of I– and IO3
–. The adsorption
experiments showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of Cu2O@CH for I– in the solution at pH = 3 reached
416.5 mg/g, and the adsorption capacity of IO3
– in the solution at pH = 6 could reach 313.4 mg/g. It exhibited extremely
fast adsorption kinetics for I– and IO3
–. In addition, Cu2O@CH also exhibited
efficient I– and IO3
– removal from simulated high-level liquid waste. The rapid capture
and effective immobilization of radioiodine (I–,
IO3
–) were realized by the electrostatic
interaction of −N+(CH3)3 groups
in Cu2O@CH with I– and IO3
–, as well as the chemical reactions between Cu2O and I–. The bulk cationic hydrogel composite
explored the multifunctional role toward fast, high adsorption capability
and easy handling, highlighting its superiority compared to the powder
adsorbent, which renders it a potential adsorbent for the removal
of radioactive iodine (I–, IO3
–) in nuclear wastewater treatment.