Nuclear Chemical Engineering

The Nuclear Chemical Engineering department encompasses a large scope of research that ranges from fundamental to applied science of the actinides and fission products as well as engineering-scale process development and demonstrations. Researchers are at the forefront of developing technologies for nuclear separations, waste management, and non-proliferation to achieve sustainable nuclear energy systems.

Argonne's nuclear and environmental process programs are organized into these areas:

Radiochemistry
Experimental work focused on the separation of actinides from fission products using novel solvent extraction and ion exchange processes. Significant effort is dedicated to improve the separation methods of medical radioisotopes including ⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc.

Process Simulation and Safeguards
Application of integrated chemical engineering and separations chemistry to develop, model, design, and demonstrate processes and equipment for treatment of used nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, and to advance nuclear nonproliferation. Application of chemical and engineering expertise to improve safeguards and nonproliferation of nuclear materials in complex facilities.

Pyroprocess Development
Application of skills and facilities to study, develop, and engineer innovative yet commercially viable electrochemical processes for nuclear separations.

Radioisotope Research & Development
Experimental and theoretical work focused on development of novel methods for production of radioisotopes using particle accelerators, radiation chemistry and radiation induced damage in materials and equipment.

Environmental Science
Use of applied science and engineering to develop and evaluate options for disposition of used nuclear fuels and the wastes that may be produced by future aqueous and electrochemical processing of these fuels.

For more information:

Nuclear Chemical Engineering Dept.
Dept. Manager: Mark Williamson
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Mark Williamson's Executive Bio