Microanalysis of silica-based adsorbent for effective recovery of radioactive elements

Sano, Yuichi   ; Watanabe, So  ; Matsuura, Haruaki*; Nagoshi, Kohei*; Arai, Tsuyoshi*

For effective recovery of radioactive elements by adsorbents using polymer-immobilized silica (SiO-P) supports, the microstructure of SiO-P particles impregnated with CMPO as extractants and their change with the crosslinking degree of polymer (CDP) were investigated using STXM and EXAFS analyses; further, their relation with adsorption/elution behavior was discussed. The adsorption/elution tests using adsorbents with a different CDP demonstrated that a higher CDP inhibited the elution of adsorbed metal ions from the adsorbent. The results of STXM and EXAFS analyses suggested that adsorption by CMPO proceeds through the entire area in the adsorbent and the local structure around adsorbed metal ions is similar irrespective of the CDP. Conversely, STXM analyses implied the capture of eluents such as HO by polymers with high CDP, which suppresses the prompt elution of adsorbed metal ions from the adsorbent.