Frontiers in Materials (Sep 2023)

Matrices for radioactive waste immobilization: a review

  • Ritu Kumari Pilania,
  • Charu Lata Dube

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2023.1236470
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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Nuclear energy is considered a clean, reliable, and an inexhaustible energy source for power generation. Nuclear power is harnessed from nuclear fission reactions in a dedicated power plant. The by-products (produced in the nuclear power plant) are radioactive and pose a threat to the environment. The safe disposal of nuclear waste is vital to ensure the sustainable use of the nuclear energy. The immobilization of radioactive waste before final disposal is essential for the interim storage and transportation. This review summarizes the recent work on glass, ceramics, and glass–ceramics matrices to immobilize high-level waste. The synthesis methods, leaching behavior, and radiation resistance of matrices are discussed briefly.

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