Characteristics improvement of hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene - platinum catalysts for tritium separation

Based on the long experience of the authors in the preparation, testing and evaluation of the performances of hydrophobic catalysts and based on the reviewed references, this paper presents up-to-date R and D activities on the preparation methods and applications of the hydrophobic catalysts in tritium separation. The objectives of the paper are: (1) how to improve the characteristics and performance of platinum hydrophobic catalysts; (2) to assess and find a new procedure for the preparation of a new improved hydrophobic catalyst. From reviewed references platinum appears to be the most active and efficient metal and that polytetrafluoroethylene is the best wet proof agent. A new improved hydrophobic Pt-catalyst has been proposed and underway is tested. The main steps and experimental conditions of preparation are largely discussed. A new wet proof agent and new binding agents (titanium dioxide, cerium dioxide, zirconium dioxide) with a catalytic function are proposed and tested. The physico-structural parameters of the improved catalyst have been determined and are discussed in detail. The new proposal is a promising solution for improving the performance of conventional hydrophobic Pt-catalysts. (authors)