Radiolysis of Tributyl Phosphate by Particles of High Linear Energy Transfer

A review of the alpha radiolysis of extractants for actinide lanthanide separation in spent nuclear fuel reprocessing

Radiation stability is one of the key properties to enable the efficient use of extractants in spent nuclear fuel with high radioactivity. The last several decades have witnessed a rapid progress in the radiation chemistry of extractants. A variety of studies and reviews pertinent to the radiation stability of extractants have been published. However, a thorough summary for the alpha radiolysis results of extractants is not available. In this review, we survey the development of alpha radiolysis of extractants for actinide lanthanide separation and compare their radiolysis behaviors induced by alpha particles and gamma rays. The discussion of alpha radiolysis of extractants is divided into three parts according to the functional groups of extractants (i.e., phosphine oxide, amide and bis-triazinyl bipyridines). Given the importance of radiation source to carry out alpha irradiation experiment, we first give a brief introduction to three practicable alpha radiation sources including alpha emitting isotopes, helium ion beam and reactor. We hope this review will provide useful information and unleash a broad palette of opportunities for researchers interested in radiation chemistry.

Characterization of palladium species after γ-irradiation of a TBP–alkane–Pd(NO3)2 system

The γ-irradiation of a biphasic system composed of tri-n-butylphosphate in tetrapropylene hydrogen (TPH) in contact with palladium(ii) nitrate in nitric acid aqueous solution led to the formation of two precipitates. A thorough characterization of these solids was performed by means of various analytical techniques including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis coupled with a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (TGA-DSC), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), InfraRed (IR), RAMAN and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, and ElectroSpray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS). Investigations showed that the two precipitates exhibit quite similar structures. They are composed at least of two compounds: palladium cyanide and palladium species containing ammonium, phosphorous or carbonyl groups. Several mechanisms are proposed to explain the formation of Pd(CN)₂.

The γ-irradiation of a biphasic system composed of tri-n-butylphosphate in tetrapropylene hydrogen (TPH) in contact with palladium(ii) nitrate in nitric acid aqueous solution led to the formation of two precipitates.