A novel vanadosilicate with hexadeca-coordinated Cs(+) ions as a highly effective Cs(+) remover.

Abstract

The effective removal of (137) Cs(+) ions from contaminated groundwater and seawater and from radioactive nuclear waste solutions is crucial for public health and for the continuous operation of nuclear power plants. Various (137) Cs(+) removers have been developed, but more effective (137) Cs(+) removers are still needed. A novel microporous vanadosilicate with mixed-valence vanadium (V(4+) and V(5+) ) ions is now reported, which shows an excellent ability for Cs(+) capture and immobilization from groundwater, seawater, and nuclear waste solutions. This material is superior to other known materials in terms of selectivity, capacity, and kinetics, and at very low Cs(+) concentrations, it was found to be the most effective material for the removal of radioactive Cs(+) ions under the test conditions. This novel vanadosilicate also contains hexadeca-coordinated Cs(+) ions, which corresponds to the highest coordination number ever described.