Abstract
Sorption distribution coefficient (Kd) of niobium-94 on minerals are an important parameter in safety assessment of intermediate-depth disposal of waste from core internals etc. The Kd of Nb on clay minerals in Ca(ClO4)2 solutions were, however, not successfully modeled in a previous study. The high distribution coefficients of Nb on illite in Ca(ClO4)2 solutions were successfully reproduced by taking Ca–Nb–OH surface species into account. Solubility of Nb was studied in Ca(ClO4)2 solutions and the results were reproduced by taking an aqueous Ca–Nb–OH complex species, CaNb(OH)6+, into account in addition to previously reported Nb(OH)6− and Nb(OH)72−. Based on this aqueous speciation model, the Ca–Nb–OH surface species responsible for the sorption of Nb on illite in Ca(ClO4)2 solutions was presumed to be X_OCaNb(OH)6. Although uncertainties exist in the speciation of aqueous Ca–Nb–OH species, the result of this study proposed a possible mechanism for high distribution coefficient of Nb on illite in Ca(ClO4)2 solutions. The mechanism includes Ca–Nb–OH complex formation in aqueous, solid and surface phases.
Author contribution: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.
Research funding: None declared.
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding this article.
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