As the global clean energy transition accelerates, ensuring safe and sustainable management of nuclear waste remains a critical priority. Researchers at Jeonbuk National University, South Korea, have developed an advanced Prussian blue–carbon cloth electrode capable of removing radioactive cesium from water with record-breaking efficiency—offering a promising solution for safer nuclear energy operations.
Published in Chemical Engineering Journal (Volume 527, January 2026), the study addresses one of nuclear energy’s key environmental challenges: the treatment of radioactive wastewater containing cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs). Due to its high solubility and mobility in water, cesium-137 poses significant ecological and public health risks if not properly managed.
Prussian blue has long been recognized for its selective cesium adsorption capability. However, its conventional powder form often requires additional processing, increasing complexity and operational costs. To overcome this limitation, the research team engineered an electrochemically assisted adsorption system by depositing Prussian blue onto chemically treated carbon cloth. An acid-treatment process enhanced the cloth’s wettability, enabling uniform coating and improved electrochemical performance.
The resulting electrode achieved an exceptional cesium adsorption capacity of 1,173 mg per gram within just three hours—the highest reported for Prussian blue-based materials. Even after repeated adsorption and desorption cycles, it retained approximately 97% efficiency, demonstrating outstanding durability and reusability. The system also maintained high selectivity for cesium ions in the presence of competing ions.
This breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost and time required for radioactive wastewater treatment, strengthening environmental safeguards and supporting the long-term sustainability of nuclear power within the broader clean energy ecosystem.
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