Characterization of Cation Exchange and Cesium Selectivity of Synthetic Beta-Dicalcium Silicate Hydrate

Solid beta-dicalcium silicate hydrate synthesized under hydrothermal conditions at and Ca/Si=2 molar ratio shows cation exchange properties towards divalent metal cations such as Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, or Pb. The ability of metal cation uptake by the solid was found to be in the order: 〉〉〉 = . Cesium selectivity of the solid was demonstrated in the presence of univalent cation such as , and and divalent cations such as , and , which are one hundred times more concentrated than the . The uptake of is maximum in the presence of whereas it is minimum in the presence of . The different affinities of towards divalent metal cations can be used for the separation of those ions. Due to its selectivity for cesium it can be used in partitioning of radioactive Cs+ from nuclear wastes containing numerous cations. The mechanism of the metal cation exchange and cesium selectivity reactions by the solid is studied.