Preparation of poly (4-vinylpyridine-DVB) based anion exchangers and its applications on the separation of99TcO4− ions from reprocessing waste solution

Abstract

ABSTRACT Three strong-base anion exchange resins were prepared by quaternization of poly(4-vinylpyridine-DVB) with different alkyl (-CH3, -C2H5, and -n-C4H9) halides. The base polymer in granular form was also synthesized in the laboratory. All three synthesized anion exchangers and a conventional strong-base anion exchanger were tested for separation of TcO4 − ions from acidic and alkaline test solutions, each containing 1.0 M NO3 − ions and 99mTc radiotracer. These resins were also evaluated for batch uptake of 99TcO4− ions from actual reprocessing waste solution. Both batch results showed that the resin with n-butyl group on the pyridine nitrogen has higher affinity for 99TcO4 − ions. Further, removal of 99TcO4 − ions from actual reprocessing waste solution was examined using column of poly(4-vinylpyridine-DVB) resin containing n-butyl group on the pyridine nitrogen. Almost complete removal of 99TcO4 − ions was obtained for 150 bed volumes of waste treated, indicating excellent column performance of the resin. Elution of 99TcO4 − ions was carried out using 6 M HNO3 solution, whereby a broad elution profile is obtained. These results indicate the usefulness of this novel resin in the treatment of effluent generated at the back end of nuclear fuel cycle.