Development of Filter-Type Adsorbent Containing Prussian Blue for Adsorption of Cesium in Aqueous Phase

Abstract

This study aims to develop filter-type absorbent material containing Prussian blue in order to selectively absorb and remove cesium in water. Polyvinyl alcohol sponges (PVA) and cellulose filters (CF) were selected as supporting materials for Prussian blue. Three preparation methods of chemical (A), chemical/physical (B) and physical (C) were selected to immobilize Prussian blue on the material. As a result, the optimum synthesis method is a chemical/ physical method, and PVA was more suitable as a supporting material due to its porous nature. The morphology of the selected PVA-B material was investigated by scanning with an electron microscope, and it was confirmed that Prussian blue had formed in the pores of PVA. Isothermal absorption experiments were carried out to evaluate cesium absorption behaviors. The Freundlich isotherm absorption model showed a better fit with experimental results, which confirms that physical absorption and multi-layer absorption were dominant. The maximum absorption amount was calculated as 1.637 mg/g. Although the maximum absorption amount of cesium was not superior, it is considered to be an economical material suitable for mass production because of simplicity of synthesis and low manufacturing cost. Key words: Prussian Blue, Cesium, Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge, Cellulose Filter