Grafted mesoporous silicas for radionuclide uptake: Radiolytic stability under electron irradiation

Materials developed for radionuclide adsorption need to resist harsh conditions, i.e. be robust against ionizing radiation. In this work, we evaluated the degradation of mesoporous silicas (SBA-15) grafted with hydroxypiridinone, acetamide phosphonate and propionamide ligands under electron irradiation. The contained amide and/or phosphinic acid functional groups, which made them able bind actinides. Degradation ligand was assessed by identifying quantifying gas produced irradiation using chromatography, as well characterizing before after means FT-IR, XPS TGA techniques. Irradiation led groups production amine carboxylic groups. Corresponding reaction mechanisms were proposed. sorption behavior SBA-15 materials thorium also studied. shown adsorb thorium. phosphate most efficient, an equilibrium capacity 95 mg g−1. This remained stable up a 1 MGy dose underwent 20% decrease 4 Therefore, material is potentially interesting treatment liquid outflows contaminated actinides in nuclear facilities.