Rosatom scientists have made a world breakthrough by creating a technology for extracting platinum metals from spent nuclear fuel. This solution not only improves the safety of waste processing, but also has significant economic benefits.
Specialists at the V. G. Khlopin Radium Institute have found a way to simultaneously extract ruthenium, rhodium and palladium from highly active solutions. Previously, such a method simply did not exist. These valuable elements seriously complicated the process of vitrification of nuclear waste intended for secure disposal.
At high temperatures, platinum metals disrupted the operation of furnaces, which could lead to a stop in production. In addition, they deteriorated the quality and durability of the final glassy material. Five years of research went into finding a solution, and it became a special reagent – iron hexacyanoferrate.
As experts explain, a simple and effective way to solve a complex problem has been found. The new technology will not only improve the entire production chain, but will also significantly increase its safety. Importantly, the innovation also extends the life of expensive industrial equipment.
This discovery has enormous practical significance. It makes nuclear waste treatment safer, more economical and environmentally responsible, opening up new opportunities for the nuclear industry.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
Source: naked-science.ru
