Research Activities

The research group is involved in the frontier research on hydrometallurgical processes for the advanced recycling of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) since 2000 by the active participation in Collaborative European Projects.
The research activity concerns the development of extracting systems for the selective separation or the co-extraction of target elements from spent nuclear fuel for reducing the long-term radiotoxicity and the heat load of the radioactive waste to be disposed of. The availability at industrial scale of such separative processes could enable a better management of HLW in the geological repository and a relevant simplification of their technological requirements.
The research group at the Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry Laboratories of Politecnico di Milano works in strict collaboration with European universities (Chalmers University of Technology, Czech Technical University of Prague, …) and institutions (CEA, CIEMAT, FZJ, SCK-CEN, University of Heildelberg, …) on experimental activities aiming at assessing:

• the extraction efficiency and selectivity of the organic solvents by liquid-liquid extraction experiments;
• the design and synthesis of new extractants, efficient and selective for the recovery of Am alone from SNF;
• the stability against aging, hydrolysis and radiolysis of organic solvents and the impact of degradation on the extracting performances (qualitative and quantitative information);
• hydrodynamic features of the organic solvents;
• kinetics and thermodynamics of extraction;
• complexation mechanism.

In the field of new polymers, the lab is contributing to the development of innovative furan-based polymers, which are both bio-based and biodegradable, with a particular focus on applications such as sustainable packaging. Since some packaging materials must undergo sterilization through ionizing radiation, a thorough understanding of their radiation resistance is essential.

While our lab has extensive expertise in radiation chemistry and in understanding the radiation-induced modifications on polymers, several advanced physicochemical analyses are carried out in collaboration with various research groups, including Prof. Nadia Lotti (DICAM, University of Bologna). Through these collaborations, we have access to techniques such as Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), viscometry, water contact angle measurements, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Additionally, we investigate radiation-induced degradation mechanisms through Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR).

Beyond understanding polymer stability under irradiation, our research explores the potential of ionizing radiation as a tool to enhance polymer degradability at the end of its lifecycle, contributing to the development of more sustainable materials.

For many years, our laboratory has been engaged in the development of innovative chemical dosimeters, including Fricke and polymer-based gel systems, for industrial applications and radiotherapy. These dosimeters enable accurate radiation dose measurement, offering the advantage of three-dimensional dose mapping.

The lab has also contributed to training in this field through hands-on courses, organizing two editions dedicated to chemical dosimetry. These initiatives have helped disseminate knowledge and practical expertise in radiation dose assessment.