Superwetting metal-organic frameworks optimized interface for high-performance hydrogen-water isotopic exchange for tritiated water treatment

Abstract

A metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) modified interface with superhydrophilic and superaerophobic properties was successfully prepared via the solution process for tritiated nuclear wastewater (HTO) treatment. The superwetting performance of the packing surface which facilitated the liquid phase catalytic exchange was discussed in detail for the hydrogen-water isotope exchange reaction. Superhydrophilic property originated from the microporous hydrophilic nature of MOFs resulting in a rapid spreading and phase-transfer process of the tritiated water droplet, and superaerophobic property accompanied by superhydrophilic water thin film favored the effective exchange between gaseous reactants. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations revealed the influence of contact angle and liquid flow rate on the gas-liquid two-phase interface and catalytic performance. High performance with the lowest height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) and long-term stability is achieved for this superwetting packing, which holds promise for the detritiation of nuclear wastewater with higher performance and stability.