Characterization and quantification of Sm(III)/ and Cm(III)/clay mineral outer-sphere species by TRLFS in D2O and EXAFS studies.

In order to assess the long-term safety of deep radioactive waste repositories, a precise characterization of the different sorption processes on a molecular basis and the exact definition of geochemical boundary conditions for their relevance are of immense importance. Through sorption on various minerals the migration of radionuclides will be hindered and their retention will be ensured. Using time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, it was possible to identify outer-sphere sorbed trivalent lanthanides and actinides onto different montmorillonites and illite.

Characterization of redox sensitive plutonium(III) complexed with alkylated 2,6-ditriazinylpyridine (BTP) in organic solution.

Spectroscopic, solvent extraction methods and computational chemistry are applied for the characterization of redox sensitive trivalent plutonium complexed with the N-donor extracting agent alkylated 2,6-ditriazinylpyridines (n-C3H7-BTP) in organic solution. The redox stabilization and speciation of Pu(III) is discussed. Extraction of Pu(III) with n-C3H7-BTP is compared to that for redox stable Am(III).

Neptunium(V) adsorption to calcite.

The migration behavior of the actinyl ions U(VI)O2(2+), Np(V)O2+ and Pu(V,VI)O2(+,2+) in the geosphere is to a large extend controlled by sorption reactions (inner- or outer-sphere adsorption, ion-exchange, coprecipitation/structural incorporation) with minerals. Here NpO2+ adsorption onto calcite is studied in batch type experiments over a wide range of pH (6.0-9.