Abstract

Efficient and rapid decontamination of radioactive elements is important to prevent radioactive exposure. Herein, we develop a strippable catechol-terminated polyurethane (CPU) coating for effective surface decontamination. Our polyurethane coating can be directly applied to contaminated surfaces via simple spraying or solution casting, followed by rapid drying at room temperature. The resulting coating is easily stripped off with sufficient toughness and adhesion strength, showing superior 137Cs removal efficiency on stainless steel (∼94.9%) and rough cement (∼59.1%), in a much shorter time (<3 h) compared to commercial decontamination coatings (∼93.8% on stainless steel and ∼8.4% on cement after 24 h). This performance can be attributed to the strong adhesion and cohesion mediated by catechol moieties. Furthermore, after use, the coating waste is readily dissolvable in acetone, suggesting potential for reducing radioactive waste with the aid of an appropriate separation process, thereby preventing secondary contamination. These results establish CPU as a promising radioactive decontamination strategy.

Professor Dong Woog Lee from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST, in collaboration with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) have unveiled a novel, mussel-inspired polyurethane coating capable of removing over 95% of radioactive cesium from surfaces in just three hours—far faster than existing methods. This breakthrough promises to enhance safety and efficiency in nuclear decontamination efforts. 

The innovative coating utilizes catechol groups—derived from mussel adhesion proteins—attached to polyurethane polymer chains, creating a highly adhesive surface. Applied onto contaminated surfaces, the coating dries within hours and can be peeled off like tape, effectively removing radioactive particles. Laboratory tests demonstrated a cesium removal efficiency of 94.9% on stainless steel and 13.1% on porous cement surfaces after two applications, outperforming commercial products that typically require 24 hours. Additionally, the coating can be dissolved in acetone post-use, enabling waste separation and reducing secondary contamination. 

Dr. Heeman Yang, lead researcher from KAERI, stated, “This technology offers a faster, more effective, and environmentally conscious approach to decontamination. Its ability to rapidly remove radioactive materials while facilitating waste management marks a significant advancement in nuclear safety.” 

This development addresses critical needs in nuclear facility decontamination, emergency response, and waste reduction. By combining speed, efficiency, and eco-friendliness, the coating holds promise for broad application in nuclear safety and environmental management, contributing to safer decommissioning and accident mitigation in the future. 

The findings of this research have been published online in the March 2026 issue of Materials Horizons. The study has been supported by the Institute of Civil Military Technology cooperation, funded by the Defense  Acquisition Program Administration and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). 

Journal Reference

Jae Seung Lee, Ye-won Jeong, Donghyun Kim, et al., "A strippable catechol-terminated polyurethane coating for large-area radioactive cesium decontamination," Mater. Horiz., (2026).