Selective Separation of 152+ 154 Eu From Binary Liquid Waste Solution Using Polymeric Composite Crown Ether: Synthesis, Characterization, and Kinetic Studies

ABSTRACT A crown ether‐functionalized polymeric composite, PSSS(AA‐18C6), was synthesized by γ‐radiation‐induced polymerization for the selective separation of Eu 3+ and Co 2+ from radioactive liquid waste. The composite was prepared by copolymerizing sodium styrene sulfonate and acrylic acid in the presence of 18‐crown‐6 and N,N′‐methylenediacrylamide. Optimum synthesis conditions were obtained at an irradiation dose of 20 kGy and 2 wt% crown ether. FTIR, SEM, and TGA confirmed the successful incorporation of 18‐crown‐6 into a porous, thermally stable crosslinked polymer network. Adsorption performance was strongly pH‐dependent, with maximum uptake at pH 5 and equilibrium attained within 90 min. Kinetic data were best described by the pseudo‐second‐order model ( R 2 = 0.99), indicating that adsorption was governed by interactions with the available functional sites. Maximum adsorption capacities reached 115 and 60 mg g −1 for Eu 3+ and Co 2+ , respectively, demonstrating the superior affinity of the composite toward Eu 3+ . Complete regeneration was achieved using EDTA, confirming excellent reusability. Application to simulated radioactive liquid waste containing 152+154 Eu and 60 Co resulted in removal efficiencies of 94% and 47%, respectively, demonstrating the potential of PSSS(AA‐18C6) as an efficient and selective adsorbent for radionuclide separation and radioactive wastewater treatment.