Development of prototype titanate ion-exchange loaded-membranes for strontium, cesium and actinide decontamination from aqueous media

We have successfully incorporated high surface area particles of titanate ion-exchange materials (monosodium titanate and crystalline silicotitanate) into porous and inert support membrane fibrils. The resulting membrane sheets were used to evaluate the removal of surrogate radioactive materials for cesium-137 and strontium-90 from high caustic nuclear waste simulants. The membrane supports met the nominal requirement for non-chemical interaction with the embedded ion-exchange materials and were porous enough to allow sufficient liquid flow. Most of the stamped out 47-mm size titanium impregnated ion-exchange membrane discs removed more than 96% of dissolved cesium-133 and strontium-88 from caustic nuclear waste salt simulants.