Composite forms in the REE2O3–ZrO2–TiO2 system for minor actinides (Am, Cm) and REE immobilization

The choice of efficient methods for the immobilization of high-level waste (HLW) resulting from the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) is an important scientific and practical task. The current policy of managing HLW within a closed nuclear fuel cycle envisages its vitrification into borosilicate (B-Si) or alumina–phosphate (Al-P) glasses. These wasteforms have rather limited waste loading and can potentially impair their retaining properties on devitrification. The optimal solution for HLW immobilization could be separating radionuclides into groups using dedicated capacious durable matrices. The phases of the Nd2O3–ZrO2–TiO2 system in this respect are promising hosts for the REE (rare earth elements: Nd, Ce, La, Pr, Sm, Gd, Y) –MA (MA: Am, Cm) fraction of HLW. In this manuscript, we present data on the composition of the samples analyzed, their durability in hot water, their behavior under irradiation, and their industrial manufacturing methods.