EXAFS investigation of U(VI) speciation in cementitious materials

Cement in the Swiss radioactive waste management program is used as a waste matrix for the long-lived intermediate-level waste (ILW) disposal, where Uranium is an important radionuclide. Calcium Silicate Hydrates (C-S-H) are one of the major components of Hardened Cement Paste (HCP). In such a context, the understanding of Uranium uptake processes occurring in cementitious materials is necessary.

U(VI) uptake by C-S-H (CaO/SiO2 = 1.07) in Artificial Cement pore-Water (ACW) and HCP has been investigated using X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) technique in order to determine the chemical environment of sorbed and precipitated U(VI) species in cementitious matrices.

Phase X (CaUO4(H2O)x) and a uranophane (Ca(H3O)2 have been chosen as relevant reference compounds.

Similar coordination environment of U(VI) taken up by C-S-H and HCP
U(VI) sorbed species  a-uranophane-like structure
U(VI) precipitated species  phase-X-like structure
No split equatorial shell is observed
Complementary informations are expected using Time-Resolved Laser Fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS)