NSUF 10-216: Investigation of the Thermodynamics of Plutonium/Iron Solubility in Brines Using X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
We seek to determine the thermodynamic solubility coefficients of the Pitzer model as they relate to the solutions containing plutonium and iron and characterize the resulting precipitates using synchrotron radiation. Presently information is limited to estimates and information based on oxidation invariant analogs. Performing these experiments using plutonium and doing so at pH and ionic strengths relevant to real world disposal or environmental contamination situations we can improve the models for actinide transport in the environment. This work is well suited for synchrotron radiation studies. XAFS is a proven technique for actinide studies and allows for element specific oxidation state and coordination chemistry information to be determined from low concentration samples with no long range order, something no other technique can accomplish. The collaborators combine extensive experience in actinide chemistry research and XAFS data analysis and experimentation at the MRCAT beamline. Although solubility studies can in principle be extended indefinitely, precipitates suitable for study are expected to be available after approximately 100 days after the start of solubility experiments (early calendar year 2010).
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Abstract | We seek to determine the thermodynamic solubility coefficients of the Pitzer model as they relate to the solutions containing plutonium and iron and characterize the resulting precipitates using synchrotron radiation. Presently information is limited to estimates and information based on oxidation invariant analogs. Performing these experiments using plutonium and doing so at pH and ionic strengths relevant to real world disposal or environmental contamination situations we can improve the models for actinide transport in the environment. This work is well suited for synchrotron radiation studies. XAFS is a proven technique for actinide studies and allows for element specific oxidation state and coordination chemistry information to be determined from low concentration samples with no long range order, something no other technique can accomplish. The collaborators combine extensive experience in actinide chemistry research and XAFS data analysis and experimentation at the MRCAT beamline. Although solubility studies can in principle be extended indefinitely, precipitates suitable for study are expected to be available after approximately 100 days after the start of solubility experiments (early calendar year 2010). |
| Award Announced Date | 2009-12-03T00:00:00 |
| Awarded Institution | None |
| Facility | None |
| Facility Tech Lead | Jeff Terry |
| Irradiation Facility | None |
| PI | Donald Reed |
| PI Email | [email protected] |
| Project Type | APS |
| RTE Number | 216 |