Phase Composition, Structure, and Hydrolytic Durability of a Uranium-Containing Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Compound

Abstract

Uranium-containing samples of magnesium potassium phosphate (MPP) compound were synthesized using a nitric acid uranium solution. Uranium is incorporated in the MPP compound in the form of potassium uranyl phosphate with the structure of metaankoleite natural mineral, K(UO₂)PO₄·3H₂O. The differential and integral uranium leach rates, determined in accordance with GOST (State Standard) R 52 126–2003 on the 28th day of contact of the compound with water, are 1.7 × 10^–6 and 2.7 × 10^–6 g cm^–2 day^–1, respectively, and the degree of leaching is 0.014%. High hydrolytic durability of the compound with respect to uranium leaching reduces the risk of release of uranium isotopes from radioactive waste into the environment.