Nanocomposite SiEA-KNiFe sorbent — Complete solution from synthesis through radiocesium sorption to vitrification using the sol–gel method

Abstract

This study presents a novel complete solution starting with a synthesis of silica modified with potassium-nickel hexacyanoferrate and ethanolamine (SiEA-KNiFe) sorbent through radiocesium sorption in different process configurations and moving on to the vitrification of the spent sorbent, using the sol–gel method. The experimental data for deionized water solution, as well as seawater solution, correlates strongly with the Langmuir isotherm model. Moreover, the study also presents a method for spent sorbent solidification in the glass matrix. The cesium leaching test confirmed that spent sorbent can be stably bound in the glass matrix after radionuclide removal.