Chapter 10: Development of microfluidic systems for actinide separation using functionalised methacrylate monoliths
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Published:08 Dec 2023
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Special Collection: 2023 ebook collection
S. Yu Han, B. T. Brown, M. Higginson, P. Kaye, C. Sharrad, and S. Heath, in Environmental Radiochemical Analysis VII, ed. N. Evans, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2023, vol. 357, ch. 10, pp. 108-116.
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Advancement in analytical device miniaturisation through microfluidic technology offers an alternative approach towards radiochemical analysis. When compared to traditional macroscale analytical process, microfluidics devices manipulate and process fluid samples typically in the microlitre range, which provides benefits in terms of more efficient mixing and precise conditions control that are not feasible in macroscopic systems. Microfluidic extraction devices are fabricated using PMMA and packed with commercial UTEVA chromatographic resin have already been produced and tested for molybdenum and uranium separation from acidic media. Initial assessment of microfluidic device functionalisation with commercial particulate resins have proven to be difficult and inconsistent. Exploration into either light or thermally initiated methacrylate-based monolith materials as solid phase support for radiochemical separation under harsh conditions are investigated. Using variety of differing methacrylate functional monomers such as allyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate, functionalised by impregnation of TBP. Functionalised monoliths are produced and tested for its stability, functional capacity and cyclability under exposure to concentrated nitric acid (>8M). These monoliths may be produced via ex-situ or in-situ fabrication methods and reincorporated into desired microfluidic channels.