Tributyl phosphate (TBP) is predominately used in the PUREX process. After repeated use, TBP becomes inefficient and must be treated for disposal. A common disposal method is subjecting the spent solvent to alkaline hydrolysis. This work uses a Gas Chromatography Combustion Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer to determine whether there is a unique carbon isotope signature for TBP in nuclear reprocessing apart from disposal by studying fundamental characteristics of TBP in acidic and basic hydrolysis. The d13C value of our unreacted TBP is -30.79�0.12�. This TBP reacted with 8M nitric acidfor approximately one week is -30.54�0.17�, and the TBP after reaction with 19M sodium hydroxide over the same period of time is -30.54�0.24� indicating no fractionation. However, the hydrolysis reactions were not complete and continuing experiments will show complete hydrolysis and carbon stable isotope analysis of TBP degradation products, dibutyl phosphate (DBP), monobutyl phosphate (MBP) and butanol.

Carbon isotope signatures of TBP relative to nuclear reprocessing and disposal

245th National Meeting (2013)

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