Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
calorimetric investigation, didodecylcalix[4]arene-crown-6, alkali metal cations, acetonitrile
College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract
Processing and storage of medium and high level activity liquid nuclear wastes (MLW/HLW) present a major challenge for governments around the world. Gamma radiation from 137Cs, as well as radiation from 90Sr and other radionuclides present in the waste, complicates the already troublesome disposal process (1, 2). Removal of such long-life radionuclides from MLW and HLW mixtures would allow for more affordable disposal of the partially decontaminated solutions, would lower the volume of high activity waste to be stored in geological formations, and/or possibly allow for transmutation of these radionuclides into non-radioactive elements (2). Much effort has been expended in searching for ways to effectively separate various radionuclides, particularly 137Cs, from nuclear waste mixtures. The most promising fruits of this research involve the use of macrocycles, relatively large cyclic ligands, to selectively form complexes with targeted nuclides and thereby facilitate their removal.
Recommended Citation
Macdonald, Dusten M. and Lamb, Dr. John D.
(2014)
"Calorimetric Investigation of the Complexation of Didodecylcalix[4]arene-crown-6 with Alkali Metal Cations in Acetonitrile,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 1142.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/1142