Crystalline Porous Materials for Gaseous Iodine Capture: A Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Nuclear Engineering

Background:

• Nuclear energy reliance necessitates advanced spent nuclear fuel management.
• Volatile radioactive iodine capture is critical for environmental and health safety.
• Crystalline porous materials offer high surface area and tunable properties for iodine adsorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in crystalline porous materials for iodine capture.
• To discuss adsorption mechanisms, structural modifications, and functionalization strategies.
• To identify challenges and future research directions for iodine capture materials.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), and porous organic cages (POCs).
• Analysis of adsorption mechanisms, structural design, and functionalization techniques.
• Evaluation of material performance in terms of capacity, retention, and recyclability.

Main Results:

• Four classes of crystalline porous materials (MOFs, COFs, HOFs, POCs) show significant potential for iodine capture.
• Structural modifications and functionalization enhance adsorption capacity, retention, and recyclability.
• Key adsorption mechanisms and design principles are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Crystalline porous materials are effective for radioactive iodine capture, aiding nuclear waste management.
• Challenges include scalable synthesis, industrial stability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Future research should focus on scalable production, industrial validation, and multifunctional adsorbents for enhanced selectivity and reusability.