Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)/manganese dioxide composite for the removal of low level radionuclide ions from aqueous solution

Abstract

Various composite adsorbents based on sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)/manganese dioxide were prepared for the removal of stable and radioactive ions from contaminated aqueous solution. Batch adsorption experiments revealed superior adsorption capacities of the composite using very low initial concentration of studied elements. Starting with 1000 µg L−1 contaminated solution, the maximum equilibrium metal uptake capacity reached 2.0 mg g−1 for Pb2+, 1.9 mg g−1 for Cd2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+, and 3.7 mg g−1 for Co2+. In addition, the distribution coefficient reached 11,600 mL g−1 for 137Cs and 70,000 mL g−1 for 210Pb.