Nuclear Energy

Extraction Agent

Related Patents:  7,799,293 B2 ; 7,704,468

Contact: Gary W Smith

Phone: (208) 526-3780

E-mail:  Send E-mail

A major obstacle to expanded use of nuclear energy is the generation of large quantities of spent fuel with a once-through fuel cycle. Advanced aqueous reprocessing of spent fuel affords a versatile method for reducing waste generation and eliminating proliferation potential in the nuclear fuel cycle. Research at INL has shown that Cyanex 301 is a weak acid and the pH range in which it is most effective as a selective extractant is between three and five. To address this problem of extractant acid strength (pKa) and that of Cyanex 301's instability towards decomposition in acidic media, new and improved extractants need to be developed. In contrast to prior art, INL's technology has several advantages, one of these being that it leads to controllable, reproducible, single isomer products.