Making Waste Safe for Disposal and Recycling
This research focuses on developing sustainable technologies for the decontamination, recycling, and volume reduction of radioactive waste, addressing challenges posed by its diverse forms, toxicity, and durability. By utilizing Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES)—a green, cost-effective, and bio-compatible alternative to hazardous solvents—the study mitigates safety concerns and reduces secondary waste production. Integrating recovery methods such as ion exchange (IX), solvent extraction (SX), and electrodeposition, it aims to convert waste into stable forms and recover valuable materials.
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Research Topics
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Radioactive waste from performance and X-CT imaging
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Co-PI: Richard I. Foster
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Postdoctoral researchers:
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Graduate Students: Chongmyung Jin, Dohyun Choi
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Interns: Hiring
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Metal separation and recovery from radioactive waste using deep eutectic solvents
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Co-PI: Richard I. Foster
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Postdoctoral researchers: Stuart Aberdeen, Shuang Liu
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Graduate Students: Kwangseo Kim, Hongmin Jeon
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Interns: Hiring
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- Ion exchanges for contaminated coolants under high pressure and elevated temperature
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Postdoctoral researchers: Stuart Aberdeen
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Graduate Students: Wook-Jin Yeo, Jungdae Choi(KEPCO E&C)
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Interns: Yongjoon Lee​​​​
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Sponsors: KETEP, NRF, KIMS, KEPCO Engineering & Construction, Hyundai Motor Group
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Collaborating Partners:
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, KEPCO Engineering & Construction, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Institute of Materials Science, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, FNC Technology, University of Sheffield, Kyoto University, Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, Hyundai Motor Group, Soonchunhyang University, University of Manchester, University of Sheffield, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology