Synthesis and characterization of Nb–Ge doped titanosilicate nanoparticles and study of their selectivity for absorption of 137Cs and 90Sr

• Published in: Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry 2012-05, Vol.292 (2), p.473-479
• Main Authors: Talaie, N., Aghabozorg, H. R., Alamdar Milani, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Diagnostic Radiology; Hadrons; Heavy Ions; Inorganic Chemistry; Nuclear Chemistry; Nuclear Physics; Physical Chemistry
• ISSN: 0236-5731; 1588-2780
• DOI: 10.1007/s10967-012-1629-x

In this research, for the first time Nb and Ge were doped into titanosilicate nanoparticles up to 25% simultaneously. Crystalline phases and morphology of the synthesized samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) method and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. Elemental analysis of the samples was performed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. Surface area of the samples was measured by BET method. Ion exchange potential of the synthesized samples for Sr 2+ and Cs + and effective parameters such as concentration, temperature, time, and pH were investigated. In addition, 137 Cs and 90 Sr radio nuclides absorption in the best appropriate sample was examined. The selectivity of the samples for absorption of 137 Cs and 90 Sr was studied by gamma spectroscopy, liquid scintillation spectrometry, and atomic absorption spectroscopy methods. The obtained results showed that the prepared samples had good potential for absorption of 137 Cs and 90 Sr from the model solution. The sample containing equal amount of niobium and germanium, removed completely the 137 Cs within the waste water of Tehran nuclear reactor and 90 Sr in the desired solution.