J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2024, Vol. 185: 83-97.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2023.10.040

• Research article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Multiphase synergistic immobilization of complex trialkyl phosphine oxide end-waste into an iron-containing aluminosilicate glass-ceramic

Pan Tana, Xiaoyan Shub,c, Lijing Huangb, Sihong Luob, Jing Chend, Yuexiang Lud, Mingfen Wend, Faqin Dongb, Du Liue, Xiaoan Lie, Xirui Lua,b,c,e   

  1. aState Key Laboratory of Environmental-friendly Energy Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China;
    bNational Co-innovation Center for Nuclear Waste Disposal and Environmental Safety, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China;
    cTianfu Institute of Research and Innovation, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Chengdu 610299, China;
    dInstitute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
    eNHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang 621010, China
  • Received:2023-07-29 Revised:2023-09-22 Accepted:2023-10-10 Online:2023-12-14
  • Contact: *E-mail addresses: fqdong@swust.edu.cn (F. Dong), luxiruimvp116@163.com (X. Lu).

Abstract: The objective of this study was to address the challenges associated with complex TRPO waste, by utilizing a natural aluminosilicate material to produce glass-ceramic waste forms. When the simulated waste content was below 30 wt.%, glassy waste forms were successfully obtained. Ce and Fe played crucial roles in the formation of Si-O-Ce bonds and [FeO4]-tetrahedra in the glass network, which effectively immobilized other waste elements. However, when the waste content exceeded 30 wt.%, the waste was incorporated into feldspar, iron-manganese crystals, fluorite ceramic, and glass. This combination of ceramic and glass matrices synergistically immobilized the waste, resulting in excellent mechanical performance and chemical durability. The leaching rates of LRCe and LRNd were remarkably low around ∼10-6 to 10-7 g m-2 d-1, after 42 d. Furthermore, the study also investigated the role of multi-valence elements, such as Ce, Fe, and Mn, in the formation of iron-containing aluminosilicate glass-ceramics. The findings offer a novel approach to effectively immobilize complex nuclear waste.

Key words: Environmental protection, Complex nuclear waste, Aluminosilicate, Fluorite, Performance