Solvent Optimization Studies for a New EURO- GANEX Process with 2,2’-Oxybis(N,N-di-ndecylpropanamide) (mTDDGA) and Its Radiolysis Products

Bart Verlinden, Andreas Wilden, Karen Van Hecke, Richard J.M. Egberink, Jurriaan Huskens, Willem Verboom, Michelle Hupert, Patrik Weßling, Andreas Geist, Petra J. Panak, Rainier Hermans, Marc Verwerft, Giuseppe Modolo, Koen Binnemans, Thomas Cardinaels

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    The diglycolamide 2,2'-oxybis(N,N-di-n-decylpropanamide) (mTDDGA) is being studied as an extractant for actinides and lanthanides in the European Grouped Actinide Extraction (EURO-GANEX) process, aiming at a more simplified process using a single extractant instead of a mixture of extractants used in the current EURO-GANEX process. The current study presents solvent optimization studies of mTDDGA, with regards to the extraction characteristics of the different diastereomers, plutonium loading capacity after gamma-irradiation of the solvent up to 445 kGy, quantification of degradation compounds and extraction characteristic of the degradation compounds themselves. Like other methylated diglycolamides, we found a remarkable difference in extraction of up to two orders of magnitudes between the two diastereomers. High plutonium loading (36 g L-1) is feasible using this single extractant, even after absorbing 445 kGy, possibly promoted by the presence of the main degradation compound which extracts plutonium very well.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)59-87
    Number of pages29
    JournalSolvent extraction and ion exchange
    Volume41
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Jan 2023

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