Phenazine Porous Polymers for Radioactive Iodine Capture

The removal of radioactive iodine from different environments enables the use of nuclear energy in a sustainable and efficient way. In this study we report the synthesis of three novel porous polymers via microwave assisted Friedel crafts polymerization of phenazine with pyrrole (PHP), Thiophene (PHT) and furan (PHF) with dimethoxymethane as a linker and iron (III) chloride as a catalyst. The polymers showed permanent porosity with surface areas of 137–330 m2/g and good thermal stability. The efficiency of the synthesized porous polymers in the removal of volatile iodine reached 885- 1005 mg/g capacity whereas the removal capacities reached 202–222 mg/g in cyclohexane solution. Their excellent removal capabilities accompanied with their rigid and stable structures makes them an excellent choice for the removal of radioactive iodine waste.