Separation of Co from simulated decontamination media using ionic liquids

Abstract

Decontamination processes always generate large volumes of secondary waste. As a result, strong demand for new technologies capable to remove radionuclides and recycle the residue, thus minimizing the amount of waste, is required. In this case, ionic liquids offer reasonable potential of various ways how to separate and concentrate radionuclides directly and with additional recycling option. A model experiment was performed for cobalt extraction from systems simulating selected aspects of spent decontamination solutions by using various ionic liquids and dissolved extractant. Based on the results, a two-step separation method consisting of extraction followed by electrodeposition using an extractant dissolved in ionic liquid phases was suggested, which represents a promising system for recycling of decontamination solutions and thereby reduction of the respective waste.