Core@shell and @shell Colloidal Particles Based on a Zirconia Shell Applied to the Extraction of Radioelements

LEBED, PABLO; LARRIVIERE, D; IVÁN MAISULS; ARNAL, P. M.

Vancouver, Canadá

Conferencia; 97th Canadian Chemistry Conference; 2014

The aqueous reprocessing of nuclear fuels through partitioning is the most explored strategy followed by the majority of nuclear energy capable countries. This approach would allow the reduction of the long-term radio-toxicity in nuclear repositories whereas most of the minor actinides and long-lived fission products would be separated in complement to the industrial separation of uranium and plutonium. Efforts have been made to enhance the adsorption of radioelements on conventional adsorbents, such as silica gel, active alumina and active carbon, and mineral ores like clays. Although they are generally low-cost solids, their adsorption capacity and selectivity are limited. Zirconium oxide is an interesting transition metal oxide used in catalysis and chromatography with unique surface properties and excellent physical, mechanical and chemical stability. Core@shell colloidal particles are composite materials with a wide technological and scientific application range. In this contribution we explore the potential of spherical colloidal core@shell and @shell particles based on a ZrO2 shell applied to the removal of radioelements in solution. We evaluate the removal kinetics and capacity of Po-210, Pa-231, Th-232, Np-237, U-238, Pu-242 and Am-241 on a set of particles: SiO2@ZrO2nc, SiO2@ZrO2c, @ZrO2nc and @ZrO2c. The stability of the particles in high acidic media is also reported.