Hydrophilic Clicked 2,6-Bis-triazolyl-pyridines Endowed with High Actinide Selectivity and Radiochemical Stability: Toward a Closed Nuclear Fuel Cycle

J Am Chem Soc. 2016 Jun 15;138(23):7232-5. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6b03106. Epub 2016 May 31.

Abstract

There is still an evident need for selective and stable ligands able to separate actinide(III) from lanthanide(III) metal ions in view of the treatment of the accumulated radioactive waste and of the recycling of minor actinides. We have herein demonstrated that hydrophilic 2,6-bis-triazolyl-pyridines are able to strip all actinides in all the different oxidation states from a diglycolamide-containing kerosene solution into an acidic aqueous phase. The ascertained high actinide selectivity, efficiency, extraction kinetics, and chemical/radiolytic stability spotlight this hydrophilic class of ligands as exceptional candidates for advanced separation processes fundamental for closing the nuclear fuel cycle and solving the environmental issues related to the management of existing nuclear waste.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actinoid Series Elements / chemistry*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Kinetics
  • Lanthanoid Series Elements / chemistry*
  • Ligands
  • Models, Chemical
  • Nuclear Energy*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Pyridines / chemistry*
  • Radioactive Waste / prevention & control*
  • Radiochemistry

Substances

  • Actinoid Series Elements
  • Lanthanoid Series Elements
  • Ligands
  • Pyridines
  • Radioactive Waste