Complexation and Adsorption of [Eu]Eu to Superplasticizers and Bentonite at Variable Salt Concentrations

The preferred method for the storage of spent nuclear fuel (HLW) is the disposal in deep geological formations. The repository will consist not only of the geological barrier but also of an engineered barrier and has to isolate the waste for at least 10 years from the biosphere [1]. In this barrier, several materials like concrete or bentonite are effective in retention of radionuclides. In modern concrete, several additives are used to improve the properties of the cement paste. Superplasticizers of the polycarboxylateether (PCE)-family are widely used for this purpose [2]. These organic materials might have an influence on the mobility of radionuclides. Hence, it is necessary to study their complexation and adsorption behaviour with radionuclides, cement-phases like C-S-H and buffer materials like bentonite considering a possible leaching of PCE from cement in consequence of water influx. In this study, the complexation and adsorption behaviour of the superplasticizer MasterGlenium® 51 was investigated by means of the radionuclide Eu, which is an analogue for trivalent actinides such as Cm(III) or Am(III), at a fixed pH and variable salt concentrations (NaCl, CaCl2). Complexation constant and loading capacity for the PCE with [Eu]Eu were determined on the basis of the Langmuir isotherm equation as well as of the charge neutralisation model [3]. Furthermore the adsorption behaviour of [Eu]Eu to bentonite with and without MasterGlenium51® in the presence of different background electrolytes was studied.