Sorption behavior of Cu0–loaded hexagonal boron nitride for effective iodine capture under dry and humid conditions

Abstract

The effective management of radionuclides released during nuclear fuel reprocessing is critically important for nuclear safety and public health. In this study, a series of metallic copper (Cu⁰, 25–89 wt%)-loaded hexagonal boron nitride (h–BN) was successfully synthesized via a solvothermal reduction method. The I₂(g) sorption performance of the Cu⁰_x wt.%@h–BN composites was compared with that of Pure Cu⁰ at both dry and high humidity conditions. Owing to the metal support interactions (MSI) effects and hydrophobicity of h–BN, Cu⁰_x wt.%@h–BN composites demonstrated stable I₂(g) sorption across a wide range of temperatures, rapid sorption kinetics (equilibrium reached within 2 h), and minimal degradation in humid conditions. These results also indicate that Cu⁰_89 wt%@h–BN composite achieved a high sorption capacity of 1824 ± 92 mg/g at 200℃. This outstanding performance is attributed to the reaction between I₂(g) and Cu⁰, which creates a strong chemical driving force for the formation of stable Cu–I species. Owing to their excellent I₂(g) removal capacity, low cost, and straightforward synthesis, Cu⁰_x wt.%@h–BN composites demonstrate the promising potential for replacing Ag-based sorbents in the nuclear industry.