Work

Influence of the accumulation of TODGA degradation compounds in the separation of Americium from Curium by the AmSel process

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyldiglycolamide (TODGA) is considered one of the most promising extractants for achieving the actinides recovery in the advanced nuclear fuel cycles due to its good extraction properties and resistance to degradation against the harsh process conditions, i.e. a high radiation field and high nitric acid concentrations where the spent nuclear fuel is dissolved. While its stability has been very well studied and its degradation products characterized, their impact on separating americium (Am) and curium (Cm) hasn't been fully investigated. This study presents from fundamental investigations to more realistic scenarios on how the accumulation of the degradation compounds of TODGA could affect the Am and Cm separation under Americium Selective (AmSel) process conditions. This study also considers some possibility of solving the problems caused by the accumulation of those compounds by adjusting different parameters in the stripping step of the AmSel process such as the concentration of SO 3 -Ph-BTBP or HNO 3 in the aqueous phase .

Source: Progress in Nuclear Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2025.105677

Authors: Pablo Vacas-Arquero, Iván Sánchez-García, Hitos Galán

Institutions: Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

Language: English

Topic: Radioactive element chemistry and processing

Subfield: Inorganic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,930