Advanced Porous Materials as Designer Platforms for Sequestering Radionuclide Pertechnetate

Abstract

Technetium-99 (⁹⁹Tc), predominantly present as pertechnetate (⁹⁹TcO₄^–), is a challenging contaminant in nuclear waste from artificial nuclear fission. The selective removal of ⁹⁹TcO₄^– from nuclear waste and contaminated groundwater is complex due to (i) the acidic and intricate nature of high-level liquid wastes; (ii) the highly alkaline environment in low-activity level tank wastes, such as those at Hanford, and in high-level wastes at locations like Savannah River; and (iii) the potential for ⁹⁹TcO₄^– to leak into groundwater, risking severe water pollution due to its high mobility. This Review focuses on recent developments in advanced porous materials, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and their amorphous counterparts, porous organic polymers (POPs). These materials have demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in adsorbing ⁹⁹TcO₄^– and similar oxyanions. We comprehensively review the adsorption mechanisms of these anions with the adsorbents, employing macroscopic batch/column experiments, microscopic spectroscopic analyses, and theoretical calculations. In conclusion, we present our perspectives on potential future research directions, aiming to overcome current challenges and explore new opportunities in this area. Our goal is to encourage further research into the development of advanced porous materials for efficient ⁹⁹TcO₄^– management.