Characterization of Electroactive Cs Ion-Exchange Materials using XAS

Abstract

ABSTRACTVarious ion exchange materials have been proposed for the removal of Cs from high level waste streams produced during the reprocessing of fuel rods. Cs can be released from loaded traditional exchange resins by elution and then the resin can be reused. However large quantities of secondary wastes are generated. Another class of “single use” exchangers is directly incorporated in the loaded state into a solid waste form (e.g. borosilicate glass logs). A third alternative is electroactive ion-exchange materials, where the uptake and elution of Cs are controlled by an applied potential. This approach has several advantages over traditional reusable ion-exchange resins including much reduced secondary waste, higher Cs selectivity, and higher durability.XAS experiments were conducted at the Fe K-edge and Cs Lm-edge on a series of electrochemically produced nickel ferrocyanide films to determine the effects of deposition conditions and subsequent alkali exchange on structural and chemical aspects of the films. The deposition conditions include methods described in the literature and PNNL proprietary procedures. Although the performance and the durability of the films do vary with processing conditions, Fe K-edge EXAFS results indicate that all deposition conditions result in the. formation of the cubic phase. Initial results from Cs Lm-edge EXAFS analysis suggest that the Cs ion is present as a hydrated species.