New Crystalline Silicotitanate (CST) Waste Forms: Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of CS-SI-TI-O Phases

The radioactivity of the Hanford site waste tanks is primarily from 137Cs and 90Sr, of which can both be selectively removed from solution using a crystalline silicotitanate (CST) ion exchanger. We are currently seeking waste forms alternative to borosilicate glass for Cs-CSTs. In order to obtain a fundamental basis for the development of an alternative waste form, we are investigating synthesis and characterization of CST component phases, namely Cs-Si-Ti-O phases. Two novel Cs-Ti-Si-O phases (one porous, one condensed) have been hydrothermally synthesized, characterized and evaluated as waste form candidates based on chemical and thermal stability, leachability, and ion exchange capabilities.