• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.603-618
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• 2023

This study focused on evaluating the suitability of the WRK (waste repository Korea) bentonite as a buffer material in the SNF (spent nuclear fuel) repository. The U (uranium) adsorption/desorption characteristics and the adsorption mechanisms of the WRK bentonite were presented through various analyses, adsorption/desorption experiments, and kinetic adsorption modeling at various pH conditions. Mineralogical and structural analyses supported that the major mineral of the WRK bentonite is the Ca-montmorillonite having the great possibility for the U adsorption. From results of the U adsorption/desorption experiments (intial U concentration: 1 mg/L) for the WRK bentonite, despite the low ratio of the WRK bentonite/U (2 g/L), high U adsorption efficiency (>74%) and low U desorption rate (<14%) were acquired at pH 5, 6, 10, and 11 in solution, supporting that the WRK bentonite can be used as the buffer material preventing the U migration in the SNF repository. Relatively low U adsorption efficiency (<45%) for the WRK bentonite was acquired at pH 3 and 7 because the U exists as various species in solution depending on pH and thus its U adsorption mechanisms are different due to the U speciation. Based on experimental results and previous studies, the main U adsorption mechanisms of the WRK bentonite were understood in viewpoint of the chemical adsorption. At the acid conditions (＜pH 3), the U is apt to adsorb as forms of UO₂²⁺, mainly due to the ionic bond with Si-O or Al-O(OH) present on the WRK bentonite rather than the ion exchange with Ca²⁺ among layers of the WRK bentonite, showing the relatively low U adsorption efficiency. At the alkaline conditions (>pH 7), the U could be adsorbed in the form of anionic U-hydroxy complexes (UO₂(OH)₃^-, UO₂(OH)₄^2-, (UO₂)₃(OH)₇^-, etc.), mainly by bonding with oxygen (O^-) from Si-O or Al-O(OH) on the WRK bentonite or by co-precipitation in the form of hydroxide, showing the high U adsorption. At pH 7, the relatively low U adsorption efficiency (42%) was acquired in this study and it was due to the existence of the U-carbonates in solution, having relatively high solubility than other U species. The U adsorption efficiency of the WRK bentonite can be increased by maintaining a neutral or highly alkaline condition because of the formation of U-hydroxyl complexes rather than the uranyl ion (UO₂²⁺) in solution,and by restraining the formation of U-carbonate complexes in solution.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.281-290
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• 2018

In order to understand the long-term behavior of radionuclides in granite environments, geochemical behavior characteristics of uranium in granitic host rock of KURT (KAERI Underground Research Tunnel) were investigated by dissolution experiment with different reaction time and solutions. In the dissolution experiment, significantly increased dissolution levels of uranium from granite powder samples were identified during the reaction time of 0~10 days for reaction solutions ($UD-CO_3$ and UD-Bg) containing a large amount of $CO_3{^{2-}}$. On the other hand, significantly increased dissolution levels of uranium were also identified for reaction solutions containing Na and Ca after 60 days. Dissolution of uranium continuously increased in reaction solutions of $UD-CO_3$ ($44.61{\mu}g{\cdot}L^{-1}$), UD-Bg ($41.01{\mu}g{\cdot}L^{-1}$), UD-Na ($26.87{\mu}g{\cdot}L^{-1}$), UD-Ca ($20.26{\mu}g{\cdot}L^{-1}$), UD-CaSi ($17.03{\mu}g{\cdot}L^{-1}$), and UD-Si ($10.47{\mu}g{\cdot}L^{-1}$) in the experimental period of ~270 days. However, after day 270, dissolution of uranium showed a decreasing tendency. This is thought to have occurred because existing uranium in granite samples reached the limit of dissolution by interaction with reaction solutions. Concentrations of dissolved uranium and points of maximum concentration value were found to differ depending on the $CO_3{^{2-}}$ presence in the mixed reaction solution and on the geochemical type of the water. It is estimated that differences in the reaction rate between the granite sample and the reaction solution are due to the influence of dissolved ions in the reaction solution.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Building Construction Conference
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• 2008.05a
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• pp.183-186
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• 2008

Carbonation is measured as Phenolphthalein Solution, it is possible to confirm the scope of alkali through acid and basic reaction. Then, Concrete Basic Reaction is decided according to alkali concentration depending on Potassium Hydroxide Now that Carbonation is gradually produced toward inner side from outer side, with time going by, it doesnt work, to some adequate depth, in as fast time as compulsory facilitating test. Thus, this research thesis made a comparative analysis on concrete phenomenal discoloration borderline following Phenolphthalein Solution, as part of a bid to measure Carbonation. Also, the thesis measured Concrete Alkali Concentration. The result showed that concrete coloring is classified into red and scarlet according to alkali concentration, and into borderline breakpoint of the speckle of scarlet and carbonation reaction. The higher chroma becomes with concrete decolorizing, the higher alkali concentration becomes.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 1984

Two of the degradation products of alachlor in soil. product 1, 2,6-diethyl-N-(methoxymethyl) acetanilide and product 2,2-hydroxy-2',6'-diethyl-(methoxymethyl) acetanilide were synthesized from alachlor reacting with 3N-hydrochloric acid in the presence of zinc powder at room temperature and a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution at $90^{\circ}C$ for 78 hr, respectively. At the concentrations of both $5{\times}10^{-4}M\;and\;1{\times}10^{-3}M$, product 2 exhibited almost the same phytotoxicity to rice seedlings, in particular, as alachlor, whereas product 1 lost its phytotoxic effectiveness. It seems that substitution of chlorine atom by hydroxyl group did not affect the phytotoxicity of alachlor, whereas substitution by hydrogen atom did.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2019

There are three hydrometallurgical methods by which pure alumina can be prepared, such as hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxides, thermal decomposition of ammonium alum and thermal cracking of ammonium aluminum carbonate (AACH). The effect of solution pH and temperature and the nature of the impurities on the phase transition and the purity of the alumina thus produced was investigated. Hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxides and thermal decomposition of ammonium alum produce ${\alpha}$ and ${\gamma}$ alumina, while only ${\alpha}$ alumina can be produced by thermal cracking of AACH.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.111-123
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• 2022

Carbonate green rust (CGR) and sulfate green rust (SGR) commonly occur in nature. In this study, CGR and SGR were synthesized through co-precipitation, and their formation mechanisms and physicochemical properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement showed both CGR and SGR with layered double hydroxide structure were successfully synthesized without any secondary phases under each synthetic condition. Refined structural parameters (unit cell) for two green rusts were a (=b) = 3.17 Å and c = 22.52 Å for CGR and a (=b) = 5.50 Å and c = 10.97 Å for SGR with the crystallite size 57.8 nm in diameter from (003) reflection and 40.1 nm from (001) reflections, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) results showed that both CGR and SGR had typical hexagonal plate-like crystal morphologies but their chemical composition is different in the content of C and S. In addition, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that carbonate (CO₃^2-) and sulfate (SO₄^2-) molecules were occupied as interlayer anions of CGR and SGR, respectively. These SEM/EDS and FT-IR results were in good agreement with XRD results. Changes in the solution chemistry (i.e., pH, Eh and residual iron concentrations (Fe(II):Fe(III)) of the mixed solution) were observed as a function of the injection time of hydroxyl ion (OH^-) into the iron solution. Three different stages were observed in the formation of both CGR and SGR; precursor, intermediator, and green rust in the formation of both CGR and SGR. This study provides co-precipitation methods for CGR and SGR in a way of the stable synthesis. In addition, our findings for the formation mechanisms of the two green rusts and their physicochemical properties will provide crucial information with researches and industrials in utilizing green rust.

• 한국신재생에너지학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2011.05a
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• pp.155-155
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• 2011

용융탄산염 연료전지(MCFC)는 $650^{\circ}C$에서 작동하는 고온형 연료전지 시스템이다. 이 시스템은 천연가스 등을 개질하여 생산된 수소를 바로 전기로 생산할 수 있는 시스템으로 열효율이 높으며, 현재 대체 발전시스템으로 각광을 받고 있다. MCFC는 개질방식에 따라 내부개질 방식과 외부개질 방식이 있다. 내부개질 방식은 수소를 생산하는 개질기가 스택내부에 장착된 형식으로 천연가스를 스택내부에서 개질하여 바로 전기를 생산하는 방식이다. 이 내부개질반응에 사용되는 촉매로는 알루미나에 고함량 (약 50 wt.%)으로 담지된 니켈(Ni) 계열촉매이 주로 쓰이고 있다. 이 고함량으로 담지된 촉매는 대부분 높은 활성을 보인다. 비교적 낮은 온도 운전조건 (약 $580{\sim}620^{\circ}C$)을 가지는 MCFC 내부개질에 적용하기 위해서는 활성점인 니켈을 최대한 담지체에 고르게 분산 시켜야한다. 이를 위해서 MgO를 이용하여 촉매의 활성점을 높게 분산시키는 연구를 진행 하였다. 촉매를 제조하는 방법으로 요소(urea)를 이용한 균일용액침전법을 이용하였다. 니켈함량은 50 wt.%로 고정을 한 다음, MgO 양과 $Al_2O_3$ 양을 각각 0 ~ 45 wt.%와 5 ~ 50 wt.%로 조절하면서 촉매를 제조하여 그 특성들을 분석하였다. 물성을 비교하기 위해서, X-선 회절분석 (XRD) 및 TPR, 물리화학흡착 실험을 하였다. 촉매의 활성을 살펴보기 위해서, fresh 상태 및 피독 상태에서 메탄수증기 개질활성 실험을 실시하였다. MgO 함량이 없거나 적은 촉매에서는 높은 BET surface area와 작은 NiO, metallic Ni 결정 크기가 나타났다. 반면 MgO 함량이 높은 촉매에서 낮은 BET surface area와 비교적 큰 NiO, metallic Ni 결정 크기가 나타났다. 또한 XRD 분석에서 MgO 함량이 증가할 수 록 MgO 결정 피크가 명확히 나타났으며, $MgAl_2O_4$ 피크는 나타나지 않았다. TPR 분석에서 촉매들의 환원 피크를 측정한 결과, 저함량의 MgO를 포함한 촉매는 $700^{\circ}C$ 부근에 환원 피크가 관찰되었고 MgO가 고함량인 촉매는 환원 피크가 $400^{\circ}C$ 부근에서 관찰되었다. 촉매의 초기 fresh 상태에서의 활성은 고함량 MgO를 포함한 Ni-90M10A 샘플을 제외하고 모든 촉매가 거의 비슷하게 나타났다. 그러나 $K_2CO_3$ 피독 상태에서는 MgO 함량이 증가할 수 록 활성이 좋지 않았음을 알 수 있었다. 따라서 MgO가 소량 포함된 촉매의 경우 fresh 상태에서는 우수한 물성과 활성을 보이지만, 피독상태에서는 MgO가 포함되지 않은 Ni-$Al_2O_3$ 촉매가 우수한 활성을 보였다.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.14 no.6 s.68
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• pp.28-36
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• 2005

A hydrometallurgical process to leach cobalt from the waste cathodic active material, $LiCoO_{2}$, and subsequently to separate it by solvent extraction was developed. The optimum leaching conditions for high recovery of colbalt and lithium were obtained: 2.0 M sulfuric acid, 5 $vol.\%$ hydrogen peroxide, $75^{\circ}C$ leaching temperature, 30 minutes leaching time and an initial pulp density of 100 g/L. The respective leaching efficiencies for Co and Li were $93\%$ and $94.5\%$. About $85\%$ Co was extracted from the sulfuric acid leach liquor containing 44.72 g/L Co and 5.43 g/L Li, using 1.5 M Cyanex272 as an extractant at the initial pH 5.0 and in organic to aqueous phase ratio of 1.6:1 under the single stage extraction conditions. The Co in the raraffinate was completely extracted by 0.5 M Na-Cyanex272 at the inital pH 5.0, and an organic to aqueous phase ratio of 1;1. The cobalt sulfate solution of higher than $99.99\%$ purity could be recovered from waste $LiCoO_{2}$, using a series of hydrometallurgical processes: sulfuric acid leaching of waste $LiCoO_{2}$- solvent extraction of Co by Na-Cyanex 271 - scrubbing of Li by sodium carbonate solution - stripping of Co by sulfuric acid solution.

• Clean Technology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.315-322
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• 2018

Industrial use of waste oyster shells is limited because of requiring excessive energy for converting natural oyster shells in the form of calcium carbonate ($CaCO_3$) into calcium oxide (CaO) for this purpose. This study aimed to develop energy-saving process for producing solidifying agent using waste oyster shells for backfill materials. It was suggested that oyster shells were converted to calcium sulfates which were mixed with sodium hydroxide solution and red clay, forming solid specimen. The optimal concentrations of sulfuric acid for sulfation of oyster shell and sodium hydroxide to generate calcium hydroxide ($Ca(OH)_2$), were determined. Unconfined compressive strength of solid specimen increased with increasing the content of solidifying agent while it increased also with increasing ratio of natural oyster shells to coal ash. The result clearly demonstrates that solidifying agent consisting of sulfuric acid-treated oyster shell, coal ash, and sodium hydroxide solution, can be effectively utilized for preparing backfill materials using natural oyster shell and coal ash. Sulfuric acid-treated oyster shell-based solidifying agent has not been previously developed and will contribute to broaden industrial application of waste oyster shells.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.115-122
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• 2017

Objective of this research was to investigate the influence of lowered substrate pH on the reduction of bicarbonate injury in the vegetative growth of 'Ssanta' strawberry. The acid substrate was formulated by mixing sphagnum peat moss with pine bark (5:5, v/v) and the pH, EC, and CEC of the substrate were 4.07, $0.46dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, and $91.3cmol^+{\cdot}kg^{-1}$, respectively. To adjust the pH of acid substrate, various amount of dolomitic lime [$CaMg(CO_3)_2$] were incorporated with the rate of 0 (untreated), 1, 2, 3, and $4g{\cdot}L^{-1}$. Then, mother plants were transplanted and grown with fertilizer solution containing $240mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ of the $HCO_3{^-}$ and equal concentrations of essential nutrients to Hoagland solution. In growth of 'Ssanta' strawberry, fresh weight of mother plants were the highest in the treatment of $2g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ dolomitic lime such as 102.1 g followed by 94.7 g in $1g{\cdot}L^{-1}$, 91.2 g in $3g{\cdot}L^{-1}$, 75.7 g in $0g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ and 72.3 g in $4g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ treatments. The dry weight showed a similar tendency to fresh weight. At 140 days after transplanting, 5.8, 9.8, 11.8, 8.8, and 5.0 daughter plants were derived from each of the mother plants in the treatments of 0, 1, 2, 3, and $4g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ dolomitic lime, respectively. The highest occurrence of daughter plants were observed in the treatments $2g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ dolomitic lime. The substrate pH and bicarbonate concentration of 'Ssanta' strawberry seedlings in the 1 and $2g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ dolomitic lime treatments were maintained at a proper range such as 5.6 to 6.2. The micro-nutrient contents of above ground tissue in mother plants were the highest in $2g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ and the lowest in $4g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ dolomitic lime treatment. The above results indicate that incorporation rate of dolomitic lime in acid substrate with the pH of around 4 is $2g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ to raise the 'Ssanta' strawberry in propagation.