Investigation of the resistance of the potassium copper nickel hexacyanoferrate(II) ion exchanger against gamma irradiation

A description is given of the preparation and properties of a granular form of potassium copper nickel hexacyanoferrate (II). The material was dried at different temperatures and characterized by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, infrared and thermal decomposition; where its composition was found to be K2.3Cu0.65Ni1.7 [Fe(CN)(6)](2) (.) 13H(2)O. There was no significant change in the colour, physical properties, infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction of the exchanger upon irradiation. The adsorption of cesium from aqueous solutions on potassium copper nickel hexacyanoferrate (II) was investigated and optimized as a function of equilibration time and pH. The material which was dried at 110degreesC was found to be stable in water, dilute acids, alkaline solutions, gamma irradiation, and relatively high temperature. Finally, high value of 2.25 mmol g(-1) of ion exchange capacity for cesium was obtained. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.