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Title: Synthesis and characterization of super occluded LiCl-KCl in zeolite-4A as a chloride salt waste form intermediate

Journal Article · · Journal of Nuclear Materials

Here, this paper reports the hygroscopic properties of eutectic LiCl-KCl after absorption into zeolite-4A, up to salt loadings of 75 wt%. Samples of the salt occluded zeolite were hydrated in a humidity chamber at constant temperature and relative humidity for up to 100 h. At up to 45 wt% salt loading, the un-occluded phase of salt consisted primarily of NaCl, which forms when the Na+ ions present in the zeolite framework exchange with Li+ and K+ ions from the eutectic LiCl-KCl. This results in minimal water absorption and corrosion of contacted stainless steel. At greater than 45 wt% salt loading, water absorption and corrosion progressively worsened. The mixture has a significant amount of excess LiCl-KCl, making it highly hygroscopic. This study reveals an option for the intermediate treatment of waste salt from spent nuclear fuel electrorefiners that could facilitate it to be stored in a non-inert atmosphere for extended periods of time before final conversion into a permanent waste form.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Supply Chain. Fuel Cycle Research and Development Program
Grant/Contract Number:
AC07-05ID14517
OSTI ID:
2281385
Report Number(s):
INL/JOU-23-71887-Rev000
Journal Information:
Journal of Nuclear Materials, Vol. 588; ISSN 0022-3115
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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