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Title: Aqueous Electrochemical Mechanisms in Actinide Residue Processing

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/828412· OSTI ID:828412

New and/or improved solutions to stabilization and volume reduction of nuclear materials processing residues are urgently needed. Mediated electrochemical oxidation/reduction (ME/OR) processes are one approach for incinerator ash, combustibles, and other solid residues. However, questions remain concerning the mechanisms of these processes, and how they might be optimized. In addition, further research is merited to extend their range of applicability. We will develop a deeper understanding of the thermodynamic and mechanistic aspects of heterogeneous electron transfer that lie at the heart of these MEO/R processes. We will also develop and test new approaches based on the results of these fundamental studies using actual residue materials. Key aspects of this proposal include: Determination of the potential windows for oxidation/reduction of colloidal actinide oxides and actinide-bearing oxide and organic substrates and the e--transfer kinetic parameters that govern the current--overpotential characteristics. Development of adaptations of mediation schemes and application of co-mediation reagents for oxidative and reductive dissolution based on complexation of the surface-bound or solid-phase actinides and/or the dissolved redox mediator. Execution of bench-scale tests of new MEO/R schemes on actual residue materials.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab., Los Alamos, NM; Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) (US)
OSTI ID:
828412
Report Number(s):
EMSP-59967-2000; R&D Project: EMSP 59967; TRN: US200427%%363
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 1 Jun 2000
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English