Solvent-assisted synthesis of potassium copper hexacyanoferrate embedded 3D-interconnected porous hydrogel for highly selective and rapid cesium ion removal

Abstract

Potassium copper hexacyanoferrate-embedded poly(vinyl alcohol)-citric acid hydrogel film (HPC) was prepared via a two-step method of Cu immobilization, followed by the diffusion of potassium hexacyanoferrate accelerated by acetone evaporation. The diffusion-derived KCuHCF formation in the preformed hydrogel facilitated the preservation of the 3D-interconnected hydrogel structure and dispersion of the KCuHCF nanoparticles. Using acetone as a non-solvent, reverse diffusion of the incorporated Cu in the hydrogel matrix was hindered; hence a large amount of KCuHCF was loaded in the matrix. The HPC exhibited substantially enhanced Cs