⁹⁹TcO₄^- remediation by a cationic polymeric network

Direct removal of ⁹⁹TcO₄^- from the highly acidic solution of used nuclear fuel is highly beneficial for the recovery of uranium and plutonium and more importantly aids in the elimination of ⁹⁹Tc discharge into the environment. However, this task represents a huge challenge given the combined extreme conditions of super acidity, high ionic strength, and strong radiation field. Here we overcome this challenge using a cationic polymeric network with significant TcO₄^- uptake capabilities in four aspects: the fastest sorption kinetics, the highest sorption capacity, the most promising uptake performance from highly acidic solutions, and excellent radiation-resistance and hydrolytic stability among all anion sorbent materials reported. In addition, this material is fully recyclable for multiple sorption/desorption trials, making it extremely attractive for waste partitioning and emergency remediation. The excellent TcO₄^- uptake capability is elucidated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, solid-state NMR measurement, and density functional theory analysis on anion coordination and bonding.