Synthesis of nanopowders and physicochemical properties of ceramic matrices of the LaPO4–YPO4–(H2O) and LaPO4–HoPO4–(H2O) systems

Abstract

Sol-gel method was used to synthesize nanosize powders in the LaPO₄–YPO₄–(H₂O) and LaPO₄–HoPO₄–(H₂O) systems. Dense ceramic samples with high microhardness (up to 25 GPa) were formed from these powders by sintering at temperatures of up to 1600°C. The isomorphic capacity of the monoclinic LaPO₄ matrix for the second component (yttrium or holmium) simulating radioactive nuclides of the actinide-rare-earth fraction was found to be high. The composites are stable in aqueous solutions, which is indicated by the low concentration of lanthanum and yttrium ions during leaching test (~10^–7 g L^–1). The results obtained in the study can be used to develop new high-efficiency ceramic matrices for solidification of the actinide-rare-earth fraction of liquid wastes formed in processing of the spent nuclear fuel.