Complexants fsro Actinide Element Coordination & Immobilization

Technical Report · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/833257· OSTI ID:833257

Antonio, Mark R; Soderholm, L

The goal of this project is to develop inorganic metal oxide clusters known as polyoxoanions (POAs) as complexants for the immobilization of actinide (An) ions from high-level waste (HLW). A diverse array of rugged isopolyoxoanions, [MxOy]z- , and heteropolyoxoanions, [XaMbOc]d-, comprised of M = V, Nb, Mo, W and X = Si, P polyhedra are under investigation for their ability to incarcerate An ions. The research combines two objectives-An-POA coordination and An-POA containment. The first involves the synthesis, isolation, and characterization of POAs that can selectively bind An ions to form stable An-POA complexes in alkaline and acidic solutions. The second involves investigations of the thermochemistry of the An-POA complexes under vitrification conditions germane to the formation of proposed HLW forms, such as borosilicate glass. The approach is envisioned to provide two levels of An encapsulation for maximum stability and durability as well as the potential to incorporate higher levels of An ions (particularly Pu) in waste forms than now possible. Such versatility bodes well for prospective applications of POAs as An complexants in technology of significance to the environmental management of HLW.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., Argonne, IL (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) (US)
• OSTI ID: 833257
• Report Number(s): EMSP-65378-2000
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACTINIDES
BOROSILICATE GLASS
CONTAINMENT
ENCAPSULATION
GERMANIUM HYDRIDES
MANAGEMENT
OXIDES
STABILITY
SYNTHESIS
VITRIFICATION
WASTE FORMS
WASTES