Construction of a new Cs⁺ extraction process by using calix crown-containing magnetic nanoparticle-loaded fragmented nanosheets

The treatment of radioactive Cs⁺-polluted waste is now a serious issue in Fukushima. In this study, construction of a new Cs⁺ absorbent: calix crown-containing magnetic nanoparticle-loaded fragmented nanosheets (SFNs) was carried out by addressing the following points: calix crown as a Cs⁺-capturing mechanism, aromatic polyamide/polyimide as an ingredient of absorbent for better chemical and physical resistance, polymer nanosheet as the immobilization platform to enhance the contact area of the absorbent toward the polluted solution, magnetic nanoparticles, loaded onto nanosheet, and the fragmentation of nanosheet for simple use in a polluted solution. As a result, SFNs were successfully prepared and revealed to have Cs⁺ selectivity and reusability. Also, SFNs in solution caught Cs⁺ and were manipulated by magnetic force. The Cs extraction process is an effective method by circulating absorbents between polluted solution and the cleaning solution by electromagnetic operation.