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Joint projects

Geochemistry

JRP 04-07

Partners

Contact

Prof. F. Livens

University of Manchester - Department of Chemistry - Centre for Radiochemistry Research - Manchester M13 9PL - United Kingdom

+44 (0) 161 275 4647

Speciation of Np(V) on the calcite surface

Status

Terminated

- Planned from April 2006 till April 2007

Goals

The aim of this joint research project is to complete previous research on the interactions between NpO₂⁺ and the calcite surface. Further EXAFS spectroscopic investigations of the NpO₂⁺-calcite reaction will be conducted to address potentially diagnostic features of cation-cation complexes. In particular, the objectives of this project are:

to prepare a small number (2 or 3) of reference samples containing Np cation-cation complexes;
to collect and analyse high quality EXAFS data for the reference compounds and the Np/calcite samples;
to demonstrate conclusively the presence or absence of Np cation-cation complexes in Np-containing calcite.

Expected results

Although this joint research project mainly provides data of a fundamental nature, its results will also underpin the assessments of radionuclide transport and its environmental impact. Besides, a mechanistic understanding of the Np/calcite interaction will also lead to an improved confidence in predictive transport modelling.