Nuclear Research Institute "Found Safety Assessment Data for High-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal"

Clarification of Groundwater Chemical Reactions of 'Core Elements' for Spent Nuclear Fuel Disposal Safety Assessment
Research Results on New Chemical Reactions of Americium, Plutonium, and Uranium Announced

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced chemical analysis data of key elements in spent nuclear fuel using the latest spectroscopic analysis techniques. (Photo by Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] A domestic research institute has discovered data on the 'deep geological disposal technology,' the safest technology among alternatives for nuclear power plant waste disposal. This can be used as important basic data for evaluating the safety of high-level radioactive waste disposal in the future.

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) announced on the 2nd that, together with domestic university researchers, they have newly identified the chemical reactions of americium (Am), plutonium (Pu), and uranium (U). These research results have been consecutively published in international academic journals this year.

Americium, plutonium, and uranium are highly radioactive and extremely restricted in handling, making research difficult. This achievement elucidates how these rare elements react at the molecular level in groundwater deep underground, drawing attention from the academic community.

KAERI explained, "This is core basic data that can predict how elements present in spent nuclear fuel combine with substances in groundwater, change, move, and diffuse."

They added, "Through these research results, it has become possible to predict the chemical behavior of key elements in spent nuclear fuel under various natural environments. This can serve as important basic data for evaluating the safety of high-level radioactive waste disposal in the future."

The americium research was conducted in collaboration with Professor Kwak Kyungwon of Korea University. Americium is an artificial radioactive metal first discovered during the Manhattan Project, which was organized to develop the atomic bomb during World War II.

The research team presented the correlation between the stability of americium compounds at the molecular level and the spectroscopic characteristics observed when americium atoms are irradiated with light. They discovered the bonding characteristics of the element.

KAERI stated, "These research results are recognized as a significant contribution to related basic research," and noted that the findings were published in the October issue of the international journal Inorganic Chemistry, published by the American Chemical Society.

The plutonium research was conducted with Professor Yoon Jongil’s team at KAIST. They revealed for the first time that plutonium combines with naturally occurring carbonate ions and alkaline earth metals to form a ternary compound, magnesium plutonyl carbonate.

KAERI said, "The research results were published in the September issue of Dalton Transactions, an international journal published by the Royal Society of Chemistry in the UK," and added, "The study was recognized for its importance and excellence in the field of inorganic chemistry and was selected as the 'Dalton Transactions Hot Article' of that month."

The uranium research, which accounts for more than 95% of spent nuclear fuel, is also indispensable.

According to KAERI, when spent nuclear fuel is disposed of in deep geological layers, it is stored deep underground without oxygen. At this time, uranium exists in a reduced state (U(IV)) without bonding to oxygen, making the research highly important.

Using the latest spectroscopic analysis techniques (technology that interprets spectral data of light passing through materials), KAERI newly revealed the chemical characteristics of reduced uranium. They also proposed the mechanism of uranium nanoparticle formation.

The research was published in the October issue of RSC Advances, an international chemistry journal published by the Royal Society of Chemistry in the UK.

Lead researcher Cha Wansik said, "Chemical data on the elements studied this time are very scarce worldwide," and added, "Through continuous research, we will contribute to the international community and help develop safer and more sustainable domestic nuclear technology."

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