Thesis
The influence of nitric acid on solvent extraction behavior of N, N, N', N'-tetra-2-ethylhexly diglycolamide (T2EHDGA) toward trivalent lanthanides and actinides in the ALSEP process
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2017
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/101966
Abstract
The need for safe and cost effective disposal of used nuclear fuel (UNF) at the back end of the closed nuclear fuel cycle led to the development of the novel solvent extraction process ALSEP. The Actinide Lanthanide SEParation concept utilizes a combined neutral diglycolamide, N,N,N',N'-tetra-2-ethylhexyl diglycolamide (T2EHDGA), and acidic extractant 2- ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-(2-ethylhexyl) ester ([HEH[EHP]) to selectively extract lanthanides and minor actinides from high level PUREX waste. The minor actinides can then be stripped back into the aqueous phase using a buffered polyaminocarboxylic acid solution while trivalent lanthanides remain in the organic phase. ALSEP is advantageous in that it decreases the radiotoxicity of UNF by removing long-lived actinides from the waste stream, eliminates large volumes of waste, and ultimately cuts down the cost of separation. Understanding the metal-ligand coordination chemistry of the extracted species is crucial to designing an improved and efficient extraction system, as well as for development of a thermodynamic model of metal extraction necessary for prediction of extraction under process applications. In order to understand the extraction mechanism of the ALSEP process, the neutral and acidic extractant must be investigated independently and systematically. This research focusses on the influence of nitric acid on the extraction behavior of T2EHDGA toward trivalent lanthanides in n-dodecane diluent.
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Details
- Title
- The influence of nitric acid on solvent extraction behavior of N, N, N', N'-tetra-2-ethylhexly diglycolamide (T2EHDGA) toward trivalent lanthanides and actinides in the ALSEP process
- Creators
- Emily Layne Campbell
- Contributors
- Kenneth L. Nash (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Chemistry, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525401601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis