About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T25: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Ceramic Materials for Nuclear Energy System
|
| Presentation Title |
Dechlorination and Immobilization of Electrorefiner Salt Waste in Phosphate Glass Matrices |
| Author(s) |
Lucas L. Greiner, Charmayne E. Lonergan |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Lucas L. Greiner |
| Abstract Scope |
Electrorefiner salt (ERV) waste, generated during molten salt reactor (MSR) fuel reprocessing, poses significant challenges for long-term nuclear waste management due to its high chloride content and complex chemistry. Phosphate glasses offer a promising solution, capable of accommodating diverse fission product chemistries while facilitating halide removal.
This study investigates ERV simulant processing using a combination of spectroscopic and thermal techniques. Mössbauer & UV/Vis spectroscopy characterize iron redox behavior, while High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Raman spectroscopy track phosphate network evolution during dechlorination. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) with thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) is used to monitor gas release and phase transitions. The effects of precursor choice (H3PO4 vs. NH4H2PO4), processing atmosphere (air vs. argon), and composition on chloride removal and glass stability are examined. Significant dechlorination is achieved between 200–400°C, leading to glass formation. Durability testing (ASTM C1308) confirms the potential of these materials for long-term containment. |