JRP 07-22

Partners

CEA

UNIMAN

CHALMERS

Contact

Marie-Hélène Napoli
INSTN VALRHO
E-mail e-mail

Separation of Species at the Nanometer Scale

Status

 
Terminated - Planned from August 2008 till August 2008

Goals

The course is intended to be able to follow the mechanisms at a nanometric scale involved in ion and nanoparticle separation, withy a special focus on actinides and current industrialized methods of liquid-liquid extraction.

The course starts from modern theories of ions in the bulk and at interfaces. Then gives basis of self-assembly of amphiphilic functional molecules such as extractants. Thermodynamics and structural aspects on liquid-liquid phase and ion separations are given. Then, the case of larger molecules, polyelectrolytes and nanoparticles at interfaces. During, the week, three half-days are completely devoted to visit of pilot plant, performing a real liquid-liquid extraction and characterizing the colloidal aggregates responsible of the extraction.

Expected results

Expected impact on applied issues in the field of nuclear fission energy

Impact in long term, for liquid-liquid extraction processes, seen as a local phase/structure equilibrium in self-assembled aggregates.
May lead to long term cooperation between students attending this series of lectures belonging to different partners of ACTINET in the search for new selective methods of ion and colloid separation.
Lectures based on modern textbooks, no patents applicable.

Expected impact on long term integration

This project will contribute to reduce fragmentation of the European community of actinide sciences, since examples described will be relevant to actinide separation. Visit to Demonstration plant is included.

Reports