Characterization of a solid Eu-borate species by TRLFS

Concerning the safety and risk assessment for a nuclear waste repository the interaction between trivalent lanthanides and actinides and borates is interesting to study. Borates occur in salt deposits (possible host rock for nuclear waste repositories) and can be release due to corrosion of vitrified waste block (borosilicate glass) and storage containers. The investigations concentrate on the reaction between Eu(III) and borates in aqueous solution.
At pH 6 the formation of a Eu borate solid species in presence of polyborates is observed. The formation of the solid Eu borate species depends on the polyborate concentration and ionic strength.