Alginate-enfolded copper hexacyanoferrate graphene oxide granules for adsorption of low-concentration cesium ions from aquatic environment

Alginate-enfolded copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) graphene oxide granules (CGAGs) were prepared and showed excellent mechanical strength and water-swelling resistance. The maximum adsorption capacity was 50.5 mg/g. The distribution coefficient reached the maximum at pH 5.0, and was almost unaffected by the coexisted metal ions (K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, less than 20 mg/L). With the flow rate of 1.2 mL/min and the feed concentration of 20 mg/L, the efficiency of the fixed-bed column was calculated as 60.6%. These results suggested that CGAGs could be an alternative adsorbent for removing low-concentration cesium from the contaminated potable water and surface water so on.