Screening diluents to optimize cesium contaminant separation using t-BAMBP extractant

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering

Background:

• Nuclear energy use necessitates effective radioactive waste management, particularly for cesium.
• Cesium contamination poses risks to safety and the environment.
• Efficient extraction methods are crucial for nuclear waste treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of t-BAMBP for cesium extraction from wastewater.
• To identify optimal diluents for enhancing t-BAMBP extraction efficiency.
• To provide a theoretical and experimental basis for diluent selection.

Main Methods:

• Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to evaluate diluent properties and interactions.
• Systematic study of various diluents including aromatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, and alcohols.
• Experimental validation of computational findings for cesium extraction.

Main Results:

• Cyclohexane identified as the most suitable diluent based on DFT calculations.
• Cesium extraction efficiency exceeding 94% achieved with cyclohexane-diluted t-BAMBP.
• High cesium/potassium separation factor (767.67) and favorable safety/cost profile for cyclohexane.

Conclusions:

• Cyclohexane is a superior diluent for t-BAMBP-based cesium extraction.
• The findings support safer and more economical radioactive waste management.
• This research offers insights into sustainable cesium resource utilization.