Adsorption of radioiodine by metal sulfides and relevant derivatives

Nuclear energy has gradually become alternative towards fossil fuels because of cost-effectiveness and low carbon emission. However, radioactive iodine generated during nuclear fission exerts fatal threat on human health and environmental sustainability. Adsorption pathway based on solid adsorbents has been one of the most promising routes because of high removal efficiency, low cost and negligible corrosion. Metal sulfides and relevant derivatives for iodine adsorption have been undergoing a revolutionary phase due to satisfactory affinity towards iodine, extensive sources and simple preparation. Considering the significance of metal sulfides and relevant derivatives in the detoxification of radioactive iodine, this review summarized previous research progress in relevant field for the first time. The preparation strategies and textural features of metal sulfides and relevant derivatives for iodine uptake were firstly overviewed to clarify structure-activity relationships. Then, iodine removal performances of different metal sulfides and relevant derivatives were compared and corresponding affecting factors were completely illustrated. Finally, the involved adsorption mechanisms and reaction routes within iodine adsorption were also presented. This work aims to reduce the knowledge barrier between current researches and future developments, which provides valuable hints for the exploitation of metal sulfides and relevant derivatives in the abatement of radioactive iodine.