Nanotechnology

"Advanced Magnetic Separation Nanotechnology for Used Nuclear Fuel Recycling"

Tuesday, August 26, 2014 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. 
Whitewater Room, Idaho Commons

Presenter: 
You Qiang - Department of Physics, Program in Environmental Science


Abstract

To meet future energy needs without polluting the environment by ejecting carbon dioxide, nuclear energy is one of the best sources of clean energy. Any process for disposal of used nuclear fuel needs to have minimal impact on the environment.  Plutonium and uranium recovery is performed using the PUREX process. However, this comes with certain disadvantages such as the requirement for large quantities of separation reagents and the generation of significant volumes of secondary waste that might increase the threat of proliferation. Magnetic Separation Nanotechnology developed at UI will provide an effective method for used nuclear fuel recycling, as it is a simple, versatile, compact and cost-efficient process that minimizes secondary waste and improves storage performance.

 Biography

You Qiang is an associate professor of physics and adjunct professor in the Environmental Science Program, UI. He received his MS degree in 1985 from the Harbin Institute of Technology, China, and his Ph.D. in 1997 from the University of Freiburg, Germany.  Dr. Qiang’s research focuses on nanophysics, nanomagnetism and magnetic nanomaterials. He has studied magnetic nanoparticles and their applications for more than 20 years. Dr. Qiang’s current research interests are: magnetic separation nanotechnology for spent nuclear fuel recycling, nano-sensor for nuclear radiation detection and high- temperature ferromagnetic  semiconductor nanomaterials for solar energy and spintronics applications.