CDI Project: Investigation of the Interaction Between Iodine and Adsorbent Materials

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PI: Chelsie Beck

Project Team: Saehwa Chong, Brian Riley, Derrick Seiner, Nathanial Smith, Hilary Emerson

Project Term: December 2018 to September 2021

Key Science Questions:

  • What materials does iodine chemically adsorb to?
  • What is the species of iodine formed?

Project Description: The interaction of gaseous iodine with solid material, both naturally occurring minerals as well as man-made materials, such as stainless steel, is not well understood. This is particularly concerning in the event of a nuclear incident in which radioiodine can pose a threat to public health.

The project team focus is the study of the physical and/or chemical interactions of volatile iodine species with a variety of materials, including stainless steel, carbon-based adsorbents, natural minerals, metal oxides, and clay. The goal of this project is to provide an understanding of the adsorption/desorption behavior of iodine in the environment. The project team will use a variety of surface and bulk techniques to identify the type of adsorption and species of iodine. The gathered information will assist models in predicting reaction products and the fate of radioiodine in the event of a nuclear incident.