Encapsulation of cesium with a solid waste-derived sulfoaluminate matrix: A circular economy approach of treating nuclear wastes with solid wastes

It is of great importance to safely dispose nuclear wastes with the development industries. Past approaches this problem have included immobilizing radioactive cesium in Portland cement-based matrices; however, leaching rates are relatively high, especially as temperature increases. This paper explores a high-efficiency and cost-effective approach for encapsulating using sulfoaluminate cement (SAC) matrix, which was prepared via synergetic use industrial solid wastes. Leaching results showed that, apparent diffusion coefficient values were only ~1.4 × 10−15 cm2/s ~5 10−18 at 25 ℃ 90 conditions, respectively. These several orders magnitude lower when compared previously reported values, indicating excellent encapsulation performance solid-waste-based SAC cesium. Moreover, heavy metals contained waste also effectively immobilized. A mechanistic analysis revealed that encapsulated matrices stably by physical effect. Finally, life cycle assessment economic indicated environmental-friendly, cost-effective, energy-saving. work provides promising strategy effective treatment