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ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

Experimental application of graphene quantum dots for the removal of nuclear materials from metal and plastic surfaces

Afonso Eduardo Magalhães Muzitano1,2 ,  Filipe Leal Portilho1,2 ,  Isabelle Xavier-de-Brito1,2 ,  Marilia Amável Gomes Soares1 ,  Luciana Magalhães Rebelo Alencar3 ,  Pierre Basilio Almeida Fechine4 ,  Ralph Santos-Oliveira1,5*
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1 Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmaceuticals and Synyhesis of Novel Radiopharmaceuticals, Institute of Nuclear Engineering, National Nuclear Energy Commission, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Army Central Hospitalian Army, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3 Laboratório de Biofísica e Nanossistemas, Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luiz, Maranhão, Brazil
4 Departamento de Química Analítica e Físico-Química, Universidade Federal do Ceará – UFC, Campus do Pici, CP, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
5 Radiopharmacy and Nanoradiopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
EER 2024, 1(1), 3403 https://doi.org/10.36922/eer.3403
Submitted: 11 April 2024 | Accepted: 9 July 2024 | Published: 14 October 2024
© 2024 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
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Abstract

This study explores the application of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as innovative nanomaterials for the efficient removal of nuclear materials from metal and plastic surfaces, especially in contexts involving terrorist threats, such as “dirty bombs” and radiological dispersal devices (RDDs). These devices use conventional explosives combined with radioactive materials to contaminate large areas, posing significant risks to health and the environment. This investigation addresses the growing global concern about the use and threat of such weapons, particularly in the context of escalating wars and the increasing vulnerability of nuclear facilities to security breaches. Our focus is on the unique properties of GQDs—such as their chemical stability, high surface area, quantum confinement effects, and electronic characteristics—that enhance their ability to effectively adsorb radioactive isotopes. We examine the potential of GQDs to interact with various radioactive materials, focusing on isotopes commonly associated with RDDs, such as cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, and iridium-192. Functionalization techniques are employed to enhance the interaction of GQDs with specific isotopes, thus improving the decontamination process. Our findings reveal that GQDs can efficiently remove iodine-131 (I-131) from several metals: Aluminum (91.27%), zinc (98.67%), and monel (96.40%). They also demonstrate high efficiency in removing I-131 from rigid polyvinyl chloride. On the other hand, GQDs presented moderate efficiency in removing technetium-99m, with removal rates of 64.93% from monel, 55.11% from aluminum, and 41.80% from zinc. Overall, GQDs could play a crucial role in mitigating the consequences of dirty bomb detonations, offering a quick and effective method to reduce radiological impacts in affected areas. This research enhances our understanding of nanomaterials in responding to radiological emergencies, presenting GQDs as a viable solution to contemporary challenges in public health and safety. The implications of this study extend beyond immediate decontamination, suggesting broader applications of GQDs in environmental safety and nuclear safety protocols.

Graphical abstract
Keywords
Chemistry
Radiological accident
Radiological dispersal devices
Funding
This study was funded by the Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support of Rio de Janeiro State (FAPERJ) through the following grants: Cientista do Nosso Estado: E-26/200.815/2021; Rede NanoSaude: E-26/010.000981/2019; Pesquisa na UEZO: E-26/010.002362/2019; Temáticos: E-26/211.269/2021; and Infraestrutura e Pesquisa na UEZO e UERJ: E-26//211.207/2021. In addition, funding was provided by CNPq: Bolsa de Produtividade 1B: 301069/2018-2; Chamada CNPq/MCTI/FNDCT no. 22/2022: 405241/2022-4 (to Ralph Santos-Oliveira); and Bolsa de Produtividade 2: 304774/2021-9 (to Luciana Alencar).
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Explora: Environment and Resource, Electronic ISSN: 3060-9046 Published by AccScience Publishing
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