JRP 02-09

Partners

EC-JRC-ITU

SCK•CEN

KTH

UPC

Contact

Dr. M. Amme
European Commission - Joint Research Centre - Institute for Transuranium Elements - Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 - 76125 Karlsruhe - Germany
Phone +49 (0) 7247 95 1148
E-mail e-mail

Molecular and structural studies of radiolysis-induced actinide oxides dissolution in medium and high pH environments systems

Status

 
Terminated - Planned from February 2005 till August 2006

Goals

The aim of this joint research project is to study the mechanism of radiolysis-induced dissolution (e.g. of UO2 in repository systems) on the molecular level. In particular, the main objective is to understand the chemical interactions, taking place between:

  • the solid-liquid interface of radiolytically dissolving AnO2 (An = U4+, Pu4+, Np4+);
  • the oxidation mechanism both in the bulk solution and the radiolytic layer;
  • the influence of major ionic groundwater components (particularly high-pH anions: OH-, SiO2 (aq) or CO32-) on the process of radiolytic dissolution.

Expected results

Radiolysis research is important to complete the performance assessment procedures of spent nuclear fuel storage. The outcome of the joint research project links the phenomenon of radiolysis enhanced dissolution with other known concepts, such as surface complexation and QSAR, and draws up the differences in the behaviour of the actinide elements.

Presentations

  • Amme M., Puxley C., "Towards a spectroscopic standard database for Pu in repository environments", 10th International Conference on Chemistry and Migration Behaviour of Actinides and Fission Products in the Geosphere (Migration'05) 18-23 September 2005/ Avignon, France, 2005. Presentation
  • Amme M., Puxley C., "Synthesen von Actiniden-Festphasen mit Relevanz für Endlagersysteme", German Nuclear Chemistry Society Conference 11-15 September 2005/ Düsseldorf, Germany, 2005. Presentation
  • Amme M., "Formation of peroxo mineral phases in the radiation field of alpha-active nuclear wastes during final geologic storage", 1st International Nuclear Chemistry Congress 22-29 May 2005/ Kusadasi, Turkey, 2005. Presentation

Reports