CX-270380: Effects of Alpha and Gamma Radiation on Complex and Metal Loaded Solvents for Advanced Solvent Extraction Processes – University of California, Irvine

The University of California, Irvine proposes to investigate the alpha and gamma radiolysis-induced chemical degradation of ligands used for the removal of minor actinides from used nuclear fuel in advanced extraction systems such as ALSEP. The project will quantitatively elucidate the organic phase degradation, particularly complex solvents containing multiple ligands as well as organic solvents loaded with significant levels of metal ions. The project will identify the major degradation pathways, which is necessary to improve the predictive capabilities of chemical effects in these current processes. This will involve obtaining, in pure form, identified major degradation products from these reactions to test their effect on the extraction systems and to gain additional insight on the effect of radiation on advanced solvent extraction processes. The project would address the most important challenges existing in aqueous separations processes currently under development for used fuel treatment. The efforts will provide a quantitative understanding of the effect of radiation on the organic phase, particularly the less-studied heavy ion (alpha) radiolysis, and its role in the reactions and species that directly affect metal ion distribution ratios and that govern the formation of third phases in these systems. The project will utilize a number of different tools available for performing high LET radiation damage, including a TRIGA® reactor and two different ion-beam irradiators with varying dose rates and total dose.