Metallic technetium sequestration in nickel core/shell microstructure during Fe(OH)2 transformation with Ni doping.
J Hazard Mater
; 425: 127779, 2022 Mar 05.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34823954
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the impacts of Ni doping on technetium-99 (Tc) sequestration in aqueous solutions through transformation of Fe(OH)2(s) to iron spinel (magnetite) under alkaline conditions. Extensive solid characterization was performed for the mineral phases produced, as well as the Tc/Ni speciation and distribution within these phases. X-ray diffraction results show that iron spinel was the dominant mineral product without detectable Ni incorporation. The doped Ni ions mainly precipitated as fine Fe/Ni oxide/hydroxide particles, including strongly reduced nanometer-sized spheroidal Ni-rich and metallic Ni phases. High-resolution analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy on the produced solid samples (focused ion beam-prepared specimens) revealed three Tc distribution domains dominated by nanocrystals and, especially, a Tc-rich metallic phase. Instances of metallic Tc were specifically found in spheroidal, Ni-rich and metallic nanoparticles exhibiting a core/shell microstructure that suggests strong reduction and sequential precipitation of Ni-Tc-Ni. Mass balance analysis showed nearly 100% Tc removal from the 4.8 × 10-4 M Tc solutions. The finding of the metallic Tc encapsulation indicates that Tc sequestration through Ni-doped Fe(OH)2(s)-to-iron spinel transformation process likely provides an alternative treatment pathway for Tc removal and could be combined into further waste treatment approaches.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
J Hazard Mater
Journal subject:
SAUDE AMBIENTAL
Year:
2022
Document type:
Article