A practical working definition of a hierarchical structure is that of a structural motif contained within a larger structure or framework. Salt Inclusion Materials (SIMs) are a subset of a unique family of crystalline hierarchical structure types that consist of a more covalent metal oxide framework containing voids filled by an ionic salt lattice. SIMs are noteworthy because as a “stuffed” porous material, this type of hierarchical material is of fundamental interest in the development of new waste forms for nuclear waste storage. These materials are of the general formula [AmBnX][(UO2)p(MqOr)t] where [(UO2)p(SiqOr)t] is the framework consisting of uranyl, UO22+, and SiqOr units, where BnX is the salt-inclusion and A are alkali or alkaline earth cations that are not part of the salt-inclusion. The presentation will focus on the synthesis, crystal growth, structures, and potential use of SIMs, including [Cs3F][(UO2)(Si4O10)], [Cs2Cs5F][(UO2)2(Si6O17)], [Cs9Cs6Cl][(UO2)7(Si6O17)2(Si4O12)], and [Cs2Cs5F][(UO2)3(Si2O7)2], with special emphasis on the overall crystal chemistry of these phases.

Salt-inclusion materials: A potential novel hierarchical wasteform

254th National Meeting (2017)

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