Description

This research line was started in collaboration with CIEMAT-ENRESA due to the high global interest aroused by the technological development of a new cycle of nuclear fuel, called advanced cycle, which guarantees an improvement of sustainability, including minimization of generated waste and its radiotoxicity. To this end, the recycling or destruction (transmutation) of actinides (Ans), substances present in irradiated fuels, would reduce the waste volume and radiotoxic inventory, as well as its storage time, while reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation. However, before carrying out the transmutation, the actinides need to be separated from other fission products, especially from the lanthanides (Lns), because if not, the Lns would efficiently absorb the neutrons, preventing them from being captured by the transmutable actinides. Separation is not an easy task due to the amount of Lns contained in the fission products and their similar chemical properties. Nevertheless, pyrochemical separation schemes (high temperature processes) using molten salts and metals seem to be the most suitable ones for Ans homogeneous recycling. In this field, the research group focuses its studies on the acquisition of electrochemical data of light and heavy lanthanides and of transition metals in molten salts, ionic liquids (IL) and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). This data will allow a conceptual design and assessment of nuclear waste reprocessing processes.

Other information