Investigation of cation environment and framework changes in silicotitanate exchange materials using solid-state 23Na, 29Si, and 133Cs MAS NMR

Abstract

Crystalline silicotitanate (CST), HNa 3Ti 4Si 2O 14·4H 2O and the Nb-substituted CST (Nb-CST), HNa 2Ti 3NbSi 2O 14·4H 2O, are highly selective Cs + sorbents, which makes them attractive materials for the selective removal of radioactive species from nuclear waste solutions. The structural basis for the improved Cs + selectivity in the niobium analogs was investigated through a series of solid-state magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR experiments. Changes in the local environment of the Na + and Cs + cations in both CST and Nb-CST materials as a function of weight percent cesium exchange were investigated using 23Na and 133Cs MAS NMR. Framework changes induced by Cs + loading and hydration state were investigated with 29Si MAS NMR. Multiple Cs + environments were observed in the CST and Nb-CST material. The relative population of these different Cs + environments varies with the extent of Cs + loading. Marked changes in the framework Si environment were noted with the initial incorporation of Cs +, however with increased Cs + loading the impact to the Si environment becomes less pronounced. The Cs + environment and Si framework structure were influenced by the Nb-substitution and were greatly affected by the amount of water present in the materials. The increased Cs + selectivity of the Nb-CST materials arises from both the chemistry and geometry of the tunnels and pores.