Interface‑optimized electrode in successive capacitive deionization for high‑efficiency radioactive wastewater...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Uranium contamination in water poses significant environmental and health risks.
• Efficient and selective removal of radioactive ions from aqueous environments is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an interface-driven electrode for targeted uranium removal.
• To investigate the performance of a TiO2@Ti3C2 heterostructure in a successive capacitive deionization (SCDI) system.

Main Methods:

• In situ growth of TiO2@Ti3C2 heterostructure on carbon felt.
• Deployment of the electrode in an SCDI configuration.
• Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand interfacial mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The TiO2@Ti3C2 electrode achieved 99% removal efficiency and 159.7 mg/g adsorption capacity for uranium species.
• The electrode demonstrated stable performance across various pH, ionic strengths, concentrations, and competing ions.
• DFT calculations confirmed lower interfacial charge-transfer barriers and enhanced pseudocapacitive response.

Conclusions:

• The developed TiO2@Ti3C2 electrode is highly effective for uranium removal via SCDI.
• The electrode's performance is robust under diverse environmental conditions.
• This technology presents a versatile platform for extracting radioactive ions from complex water sources.