Vitrification of high-level radioactive waste considering the behavior of platinum group metals

To demonstrate a method using liquid metal for the removal of PGMs during the vitrification process of high-level radioactive waste, removal of Pd was performed using Cu from molten glass containing fission products such as Nd, Sr, Zr, Mo, Te and Ni. Almost all the Pd, 93%, was extracted into liquid Cu and removed as a separable Cu–Pd metal button from the glass. Tellurium and Ni were also extracted 42 and 5.6%, respectively. Nearly 100% of the other elements, especially the heat generating elements such as Sr and Cs, for which Na was used as a substitute of Cs remained in the glass.