The energy-free purification of trace thallium(I)-contaminated potable water using a high-selective filter paper with multi-layered Prussian blue decoration

Thallium is a highly toxic metal, and trace amount of thallium(I) (Tl+) in potable water could cause a severe water crisis, which arouses the exploitation of highly-effective technology for purification of Tl+ contaminated water. This report proposes the multi-layered Prussian blue (PB)-decorated composite membranes (PBx@PDA/PEI-FP) based on the aminated filter papers for Tl+ uptake. Extensively characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer-attenuated total reflectance, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were performed to confirm the in situ growth of cubic PB crystals on filter paper membrane surfaces via the aminated layers, and the successful fabrication of multi-layered PB overcoats via the increasing of aminated layers. The effect of PB layers on Tl+ removal by PBx@PDA/PEI-FP from simulated drinking water was evaluated as well as the influence of different experimental conditions. A trade-off between PB decoration layer number and PB distribution sizes is existed in Tl+ uptake by PBx@PDA/PEI-FP. The double-layered PB2@PDA/PEI-FP membrane showed the maximum sorption capacity, but its Tl+ uptake performance was weakened by the acid, coexisting ions (K+ and Na+) and powerful operation pressure, during filtrating a large volume of low-concentrated Tl+-containing water. However, the negative effect of coexisting ions on the Tl+ uptake could be effectively eliminated in weak alkaline water, and the Tl+ removal was increased up to 100