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Radiation-resistant metal-organic framework enables efficient separation of krypton fission gas from spent nuclear fuel

Author

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  • Sameh K. Elsaidi

    (University of California, Berkeley
    Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
    DOE National Energy and Technology Laboratory (NETL))

  • Mona H. Mohamed

    (University of Pittsburgh
    Alexandria University)

  • Ahmed S. Helal

    (Nuclear Materials Authority
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Mitchell Galanek

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Tony Pham

    (The University of Tampa
    University of South Florida)

  • Shanelle Suepaul

    (University of South Florida)

  • Brian Space

    (University of South Florida)

  • David Hopkinson

    (DOE National Energy and Technology Laboratory (NETL))

  • Praveen K. Thallapally

    (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

  • Ju Li

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Capture and storage of volatile radionuclides that result from processing of used nuclear fuel is a major challenge. Solid adsorbents, in particular ultra-microporous metal-organic frameworks, could be effective in capturing these volatile radionuclides, including 85Kr. However, metal-organic frameworks are found to have higher affinity for xenon than for krypton, and have comparable affinity for Kr and N2. Also, the adsorbent needs to have high radiation stability. To address these challenges, here we evaluate a series of ultra-microporous metal-organic frameworks, SIFSIX-3-M (M = Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, or Fe) for their capability in 85Kr separation and storage using a two-bed breakthrough method. These materials were found to have higher Kr/N2 selectivity than current benchmark materials, which leads to a notable decrease in the nuclear waste volume. The materials were systematically studied for gamma and beta irradiation stability, and SIFSIX-3-Cu is found to be the most radiation resistant.

Suggested Citation

  • Sameh K. Elsaidi & Mona H. Mohamed & Ahmed S. Helal & Mitchell Galanek & Tony Pham & Shanelle Suepaul & Brian Space & David Hopkinson & Praveen K. Thallapally & Ju Li, 2020. "Radiation-resistant metal-organic framework enables efficient separation of krypton fission gas from spent nuclear fuel," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-16647-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16647-1
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