Solid sorbents for gaseous iodine capture and their conversion into stable waste forms

The reprocessing of nuclear fuel generates gaseous radionuclides including various isotopes of xenon, krypton and iodine. Iodine, mainly present as long-lived I-129 (half-life, 1.57 x 10(7) years) and short-lived I-131 (half-life, 8.02 days) is a particular concern because of its high volatility and mobility in the environment. Deep geological disposal is therefore favored over release into the marine environment or the atmosphere. To this end, gaseous iodine must first be captured in solid sorbents and then immobilized in a stable waste form. While the literature on iodine sorbents (also called filters) and iodine immobilization materials is extensive, the conversion of the sorbents into stable waste forms has not received as much attention. The aim of this review is to examine the links between these two research fields: iodine trapping on solid sorbents and iodine conditioning matrices described in the literature. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The reprocessing of nuclear fuel generates gaseous radionuclides, particularly iodine, which has high volatility and mobility in the environment. It is necessary to capture and immobilize iodine in a stable waste form.