Novel approach for selective removal of radionuclides by stimuli-responsive gel beads carrying aza-crown ethers

The synthesis and properties of two novel gel beads incorporating N-Aza crown ethers is reported: the first based on N-isopropyl acryl amide/acrylic acid and the second based on oligo-ethylene glycol methacrylate copolymers. Both hydrogels show rapid response to environmental stimuli and their size can be tuned by both pH and temperature. Swollen states lead to high adsorption of water and high contact surface area with ions whereas in the collapsed state the material releases water and the ions not selectively retained by the polymer. Autoradiography tests show that these materials can strongly bind Sr 90 and Co 60 and both pH and temperature can fine tune binding selectivity. Scintillation tests also show that some of the materials prepared exhibit high selectivity toward the targeted radionuclide in presence of high concentrations of other non-hazardous cations. This results in such materials being very promising for use as smart scavenging agents for radioactive decontamination.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo