Removal of Cs Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Using Matrices of Natural Clinoptilolite and its Safe Disposal

  • Mia Omerašević University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinča, Materials Department
  • Jovana Ružić University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinča, Materials Department
  • Nikola Vuković University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mining and Geology
  • Uroš Jovanović University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinča, Chemical Dynamics Laboratory
  • Miljana Mirković University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinča, Materials Department
  • Vesna Maksimović University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinča, Materials Department
  • Vera Dondur University of Belgrade, Faculty of Physical Chemistry

Abstract

The possibility to use natural zeolite – clinoptilolite as a host material for radioactive Cs immobilization has been investigated. Cs-exchanged form of clinoptilolite which was prepared by treatment of clinoptilolite powder with 0.25 M CsCl solution was compacted. Both, powder and powder compact of exchanged clinoptilolite were thermally treated at 1200 0C. The XRPD analysis showed that Cs was successfully immobilized after heat treatment by formation of stable cesium dodecaoxo-alumopentasilicate in both, powder sample and compact. The newly formed compound showed satisfactory Cs ions retention during leaching test. The sintered compact showed somewhat better resistance to Cs leaching than the thermally treated powder. The compressive strength of sintered compact was close to 200 MPa which is more than enough for easy handling and safe storage.

Published
2017-12-13
Section
Articles