Authors: Saehwa Chong, David L. Bollinger, Nicholas Stone-Weiss, Hong Zhong, Kenita Dahal, Xiaofeng Guo, Brian J. Riley, Scott P. Beckman, and John S. McCloy.
Source: Mixed-Anion (Cl + I) Sodalites for Immobilization of Halide Radioisotopes
A Washington State University team, including Saehwa Chong (PhD WSU, now at PNNL) and lead by Prof. John McCloy (WSU MME), explored how sodalite can safely store radioactive chlorine and iodine. These elements in their radioisotope form pose significant environmental risks, making their secure immobilization crucial for nuclear waste management. Sodalite’s unique aluminosilicate structure offers a promising solution for this challenge.
The researchers synthesized various mixed sodalite samples, carefully examining how different halide anions are incorporated into the material. They discovered that sodalite preferentially traps chlorine and iodine over hydroxyl groups. Brian J. Riley (PhD WSU, now at PNNL), Scott P. Beckman (WSU MME), Xiaofeng Guo (WSU Chemistry), and other current and former students contributed to this detailed analysis, revealing important selectivity patterns for effective waste capture.
Using advanced techniques like X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, thermal analysis, and DFT calculations, the study confirmed sodalite’s ability to hold these elements securely. Density functional theory also helped compare structural properties. The findings highlight sodalite’s enhanced thermal stability when halides are present, which is crucial for long-term, safe nuclear waste storage.