Radiation resistant ceramic membrane containing AMP for removal of radio-caesium from HLW

Though membrane separations are getting increasingly popular for waste water remediation, application for radioactive waste remediation is scarce. This has been mainly due to the limited radiation resistance of polymeric membranes. In this context, we explored the possibility of using ceramic hollow fibre membranes due to its: high chemical and thermal stability, which allows its use under harsh conditions of acids, bases and solvents; high mechanical and radiation stability; low-fouling risk and adhesion potential for molecular organic substances, and; very clean membrane after production (sintering process). Recovery of radio-caesium from HLW is important for better handling of the vitrified waste. Ammonium molybdo-phosphate (AMP) has been found a good ion exchange material for the Cs(I) under moderate acid conditions (3-4 M HNO₃). However, AMP often has to be polymerized with different materials to form beads which can be used for application. Objective of the present work was to test the feasibility of using ceramic hollow fiber membranes for the treatment of radioactive waste. In this preliminary study, we prepared ceramic hollow fibre membrane loaded with varying amount of AMP (10 - 40% w/w) as a selective carrier for Cs and its performance was evaluated for the sorption of radio-cesium (¹³⁷Cs) vis-a-vis its radiation stability