Separation of Metal Ions from Liquid Waste Streams--Applied Sciences, Inc., 141 West Xenia Avenue, P.O. Box 579, Cedarville, OH 45314-0579; 937-766-2020
Dr. D. Gerald Glasgow, Principal Investigator
Mr. Max L. Lake, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-99ER82744
Amount: $674,064

Metal ions, such as uranium, strontium, cadmium, and transuranics, pose a threat to the environment because of their toxicity and radioactivity. This project will develop a new electrosorption technique based on carbon nanofiber electrodes for removing metal ions from waste streams. Competing methods are not useful because the electrolyte typically dissociates before substantial electrosorption of metals such as uranium can occur. Phase I demonstrated a reduction of uranium con-centration from100 parts per million to less than 20 parts per billion using special nanofiber electrodes. A capacity of over 10 grams of uranium per gram of cathode was achieved. The electrodes were reversible and reusable, and the energy cost was as low as 900 J/gram of uranium absorbed. Phase II will focus on design, manufacturing, testing, and validating a full-scale unit capable of remediating wastes at contaminated Department of Energy sites.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Applications include remediation of uranium-containing streams at DOE and DOD facilities, as well as at uranium mines, including decommissioned mines. Spinoffs should also occur for direct groundwater remediation, including the removal of other metals.