[2B14-17] Cement and Geopolymer

[2B14] Uranyl Inside of the Sodium-Activated Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers

*ANIL CAN YILDIRIM¹, Kanako TODA¹, Huiyang MEI², Noboru AOYAGI², Takumi SAITO¹ (1. The University of Tokyo, 2. Japan Atomic Energy Agency)

Keywords:Geopolymer, Uranyl, Sorption, Leaching, TRLFS

Geopolymers (GPs) represent a compound with a network of inorganic building blocks capable of effectively stabilizing nuclear waste, like as cement, while demonstrating high thermal resistance. However, comprehending the interaction mechanisms between GPs and specific metal ions is crucial for ensuring their application as binders of nuclear wastes. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the leaching of uranyl from uranyl-loaded MKGP over a month at various environments (sea water, ground water, and distilled water) through static leaching experiments. The primary focus was to identify the leaching mechanisms by studying the speciation of uranyl within the MKGP matrix, which was carried out, utilizing cryogenic Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy (TRLFS).