Nanoparticle foam flotation for caesium decontamination using a pH-sensitive surfactant

Abstract

A fine tuning of the electrostatic interactions between Cu-Prussian blue analog nanoparticles and a pH responsive surfactant for an efficient and low-footprint caesium extraction process.

Geochemical evidence for the application of nanoparticulate colloidal silica gel forin situcontainment of legacy nuclear wastes

“…The fission products Cs and Sr are common contaminants at nuclear legacy sites [4][5][6]9 and Cs is additionally important for the management of risk after nuclear accidents. [17][18][19] It is thus essential to consider these elements during the development of risk management strategies for (legacy) nuclear wastes, potential contamination and/or accidents. 9 The mobility of Sr and Cs in soils and groundwater is controlled by surface reactions.…”

Synergistic and Competitive Adsorption of Hydrophilic Nanoparticles and Oil-Soluble Surfactants at the Oil–Water Interface

“…), 1−5 the spectrum of environmental conditions (e.g., solvent, 6−8 pH, 9,10 ion concentration 9,11 or the presence of surface-active impurities 12 ), and the often unique interplay between sets of surfactants and particles. 7,13−15 Since surfactants allow tailoring the final structure, 16 stability, 17 or flow behavior 18 of emulsions/foams decorated with particles, insights into the driving forces behind particle adsorption and desorption are critical for advances in the synthesis of emulsions and foams, 16−18 froth floatation, 19 drug encapsulation, 14 and enhanced oil recovery. 20 Based on the earlier findings of Pickering 21 and Ramsden, 22 Pieranski 23 observed irreversible adsorption of spherical polystyrene particles at the air−water interface and laid the groundwork for the well-known equation of lowering the surface free energy upon adsorption (ΔE P ) created by a decrease in the interfacial area by the particle of radius (r) at equilibrium 24,25 E r (1 cos )…”

Leaching Foams for Copper and Silver Dissolution: A Proof of Concept of a More Environmentally Friendly Process for the Recovery of Critical Metals

“…15,16 These applications rely on flotation, a process which promotes the concentration of impurities at the surface of bubbles and in the liquid films and channels connecting the bubbles, which can then be collected easily as they float at the top of the water sample. The nature of the species that can be concentrated in foams is multiple: ions, 17,18 ores, 19 minerals, 20,21 or proteins. 22,23 A major advantage of foams is that they contain, by definition, between 74 and 99% of air and consequently very little volume of liquid; hence, they are good candidates for a reduction of effluent volumes during these processes.…”

“…Aqueous foams are used in environmentally relevant applications for wastewater treatment or nuclear waste retreatment. , These applications rely on flotation, a process which promotes the concentration of impurities at the surface of bubbles and in the liquid films and channels connecting the bubbles, which can then be collected easily as they float at the top of the water sample. The nature of the species that can be concentrated in foams is multiple: ions, , ores, minerals, , or proteins. , A major advantage of foams is that they contain, by definition, between 74 and 99% of air and consequently very little volume of liquid; hence, they are good candidates for a reduction of effluent volumes during these processes . Moreover, foams are remarkably versatile, and the surfactant used to achieve their stabilization can be chosen to obtain specific properties, such as in particle or ion flotation processes where ionic surfactants can complex the particles or ions to be recovered which allows a more efficient concentration process. − …”

“…The nature of the species that can be concentrated in foams is multiple: ions, , ores, minerals, , or proteins. , A major advantage of foams is that they contain, by definition, between 74 and 99% of air and consequently very little volume of liquid; hence, they are good candidates for a reduction of effluent volumes during these processes . Moreover, foams are remarkably versatile, and the surfactant used to achieve their stabilization can be chosen to obtain specific properties, such as in particle or ion flotation processes where ionic surfactants can complex the particles or ions to be recovered which allows a more efficient concentration process. − …”