Bis-diglycolamides (BISDGA) as new extractants for lanthanides [Ln(III)] and actinides [An(III)] from aqueous high-level wastes

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This patent describes a new class of chemical compounds called bis-diglycolamides (BISDGA) that function as highly efficient extractants for separating lanthanides (Ln(III)) and actinides (An(III)) from aqueous nitric acid solutions. These compounds are particularly suited for extracting these metals from high-level radioactive liquid waste, such as that generated during the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. The BISDGA compounds feature improved selectivity, stability (hydrolytic and radiolytic), extraction capacity, and operational performance compared to existing extractants like TODGA, enabling more effective and safer management of nuclear waste.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Selective extraction and separation of trivalent lanthanides and actinides from high-level radioactive waste in nuclear fuel reprocessing plants.
• Purification of actinides for reuse in nuclear fuel or for research purposes.
• Reduction of radioactive waste volume and toxicity by enabling transmutation or improved conditioning of minor actinides.
• Environmental remediation of contaminated aqueous streams containing f-block elements.
• Implementation in advanced nuclear waste management strategies, such as partitioning and transmutation (S&T) or separation and conditioning (S&C).

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly improved selectivity for actinides and lanthanides over other co-contaminants (e.g., strontium, palladium, zirconium, etc.), reducing the need for additional purification steps.
• High stability against hydrolysis and radiation, ensuring longevity and repeated usability in harsh nuclear waste environments.
• Fast extraction kinetics and efficient operational times, supporting industrial-scale continuous processes.
• Prevention of undesirable third phase formation (emulsion/separation issue), which commonly hinders existing extractants.
• Easier regeneration (stripping) of the organic phase, reducing operational costs and minimizing secondary waste generation.
• Higher loading capacities suitable for industrial deployment, handling radioactive waste streams at concentrations typical in industry.
• Potential for safer and more cost-effective nuclear waste management, reducing the long-term environmental impact and supporting sustainable nuclear energy cycles.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention provides new bis-diglycolamide compounds having formula (I) which are suitable for the extraction of lanthanides [Ln(III)] and actinides [An(III)] from aqueous nitric solutions in general and from high-level radioactive liquid wastes in particular. The invention also relates to a process for preparing said compounds and a method of extraction of lanthanides [Ln(III)] and actinides [An(III)] using said compounds. Finally, the invention provides extracting solutions comprising said compounds for the joint separation of lanthanides [Ln(III)] and actinides [An(III)] from aqueous nitric solutions and preferably, from high-level radioactive liquid wastes.