Highly stable Prussian blue nanoparticles containing graphene oxide–chitosan matrix for selective radioactive cesium removal

Abstract In this work, a Prussian blue (PB)/graphene oxide (GO)/chitosan (CS) organic-inorganic composite was successfully synthesized and utilized as an adsorbent for the selective removal of cesium (Cs + ) ions. Taking the advantage of synergistic effect GO, CS and PB nanoparticles, the PB/GO/CS composite exhibited maximum adsorption capacity of 48.35 mg g −1 for Cs + ions. In the presence of competitive monovalent cations (K + and Na + ), PB/GO/CS showed excellent selectivity (86%) for Cs + ions and had a 6-fold higher distribution coefficient ( K d ) than GO/CS. This enhanced adsorption capacity with high selectivity of PB/GO/CS for Cs + ions may have been attributed to (i) the presence of carboxylic, hydroxyl and amino functional groups on GO/CS matrix which strongly bind Cs + ions through electrostatic attraction and chelation, and (ii) the trapping of Cs + ions by the voids of the FCC-structured PB lattice whose size is equivalent to the hydration radius of Cs + ions. Due to its low-cost, facile preparation, high adsorption capacity, and superior Cs + ions selectivity, PB/GO/CS is a promising material for the selective removal of the Cs + ions from the environment and for protecting ecosystems from the radiation hazards.