Inorganic ion-exchangers for incorporation of actinides into ceramic waste forms

Contamination of the environment by actinides is a widespread problem that has resulted from the many aspects of uranium and plutonium mining and purification. These metal ions may be removed from contaminated waters by use of ion-exchange materials. However, the ideal repository for the actinides are ceramic waste forms which mimic the minerals in which they are found naturally. Therefore, we have developed several processes whereby actinide-loaded ion-exchange materials may be sintered directly to the final waste forms. The removal of thorium and uranium from aqueous media by metal phosphates and layered titanates and their conversion to ceramic materials will be reported.