Sonicated zeolitic imidazolate Framework-8 derived nanoporous carbon for efficient capture and reversible storage of radioiodine

Iodine plays a significant role in industry and in chemical processes within living organisms. However, radioiodine exposure possess threats such as thyroid cancer to humans, when released into the environment through using nuclear technology, used nuclear fuel reprocessing and nuclear accidents. Its capture and storage is critical to safeguard industrial applications, prevent harm to human health, while preventing environmental damage. Herein we report efficient radioiodine capture using a large surface area, nanoporous carbon derived from ultra-sonication of ZIF-8. The carbon exhibited high adsorption capacity of 434 wt% gravimetrically with reusability of 96% after 3 cycles, and 1418 mgg(-1) in cyclohexane solution with fast kinetics and high recoverability and reusability. We deduced the high adsorption capacity to be due to the large surface area with micro and mesopores, presence of OH- acting as electron donors and the presence of nitrogen, which interacts strongly with the electron-deficient iodine (I-2). Moreover, the process best fits the pseudo-second-order and Freundlich models with multilinearity observed with Weber-Morris model. Because of its comparatively lower cost, large surface area, facile preparation, good regeneration and fast kinetics, the as-prepared porous carbon shows exceptional promise as radioiodine adsorbent.