Investigations towards incorporation of Eu³⁺ and Cm³⁺ during ZrO₂ crystallization in aqueous solution.

ABSTRACT: Nuclear energy provides a widely applied carbon-reduced energy source. Following operation, the spent nuclear fuel (SNF), containing a mixture of radiotoxic elements such as transuranics, needs to be safely disposed of. Safe storage of SNF in a deep geological repository (DGR) relies on multiple engineered and natural retention barriers to prevent environmental contamination. In this context, zirconia (ZrO₂) formed on the SNF rod cladding, could be employed as an engineered barrier for immobilization of radionuclides via structural incorporation. This study investigates the incorporation of Eu³⁺ and Cm³⁺, representatives for trivalent transuranics, into zirconia by co-precipitation and crystallization in aqueous solution at 80 °C. Complementary structural a

SUBMITTER: Opitz L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10382555 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature