Two-dimensional transition metal carbide (Ti3C2Tx) as an efficient adsorbent to remove cesium (Cs+)

Abstract

Industrial utilization of nuclear resources greatly depends on the effective treatment of nuclear waste. The efficient removal of radioactive nuclides from liquid effluents by using different adsorbents has thus become crucial. Herein, for the first time, two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes) are investigated as scavengers of cesium (Cs⁺) from contaminated water. Due to the combined advantages of the layered structure and the presence of heterogeneous sites (hydroxyl, oxygen and fluorine groups), the adsorbent reached the steady state within 1 min with the maximum Cs⁺ adsorption capacity of 25.4 mg g⁻¹ at room temperature. The kinetics studies of the Cs⁺ scavenging process demonstrated that the adsorption of Cs⁺ followed the pseudo-second-order model whereas the adsorption equilibrium data obeyed the Freundlich model. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process was endothermic. The adsorbent showed an excellent Cs⁺ removal efficiency in neutral to slightly alkaline solutions. Moreover, it can retain Cs⁺ even in the presence of a high concentration of competing cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Sr²⁺). The Cs⁺ loaded adsorbent was regenerated with a 0.2 M HCl solution and reused at least five times for over 91% removal of contaminants.