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

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.