Enhanced capacity and stability for the separation of cesium in electrically switched ion exchange

Journal Article · Sun Mar 15 00:00:00 EDT 2015 · Fusion Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.13182/FST14-T91· OSTI ID:22429778

Tawfic, A. F.; Dickson, S. E.; Kim, Y. ^[1]; Mekky, W. ^[2]

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1. McMaster University, Hamilton, ON (Canada)
2. AMEC NSS, Power and Process America, Toronto (Canada)

Electrically switched ion exchange (ESIX) can be used to separate ionic contaminants from industrial wastewater, including that generated by the nuclear industry. The ESIX method involves sequential application of reduction and oxidation potentials to an ion exchange film to induce the respective loading and unloading of cesium. This technology is superior to conventional methods (e.g electrodialysis reversal or reverse osmosis) as it requires very little energy for ionic separation. In previous studies, ESIX films have demonstrated relatively low ion exchange capacities and limited film stabilities over repeated potential applications. In this study, the methodology for the deposition of electro-active films (nickel hexacyanoferrate) on nickel electrodes was modified to improve the ion exchange capacity for cesium removal using ESIX. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate the ion exchange capacity and stability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the modified film surfaces. Additionally, the films were examined for the separation of cesium ions. This modified film preparation technique enhanced the ion exchange capacity and improves the film stability compared to previous methods for the deposition of ESIX films. (authors)

• OSTI ID: 22429778
• Journal Information: Fusion Science and Technology, Vol. 67, Issue 3; Conference: TRITIUM 2013: 10. International Conference on Tritium Science and Technology, Nice Acropolis (France), 21-25 Oct 2013; Other Information: Country of input: France; 11 refs.; ISSN 1536-1055
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES, AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
CESIUM
CESIUM IONS
CYANIDES
DEPOSITION
ELECTRODES
ELECTRODIALYSIS
FERRATES
FILMS
ION EXCHANGE
NICKEL
NUCLEAR INDUSTRY
OSMOSIS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING
REMOVAL
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY