This report describes experiments performed in FY 2001 to examine the feasibility of using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to characterize Hanford tank sludge solids. The results demonstrate the potential utility of magic-angle spinning solid-state NMR spectroscopy for this purpose. We have shown that 27Al NMR signals can be easily detected in samples simulating the compositions of Hanford tank sludge solids. Different Al-containing species can be distinguished on the basis of a number of characteristics, including resonance frequency, lineshape, and response to excitation pulse length of the 27Al NMR signal. This work also indicates that 23Na NMR can likely be used to identify specific Na-containing phases present in tank wastes. It is expected that other NMR-active nuclides can be probed for information about specific phases present in tank-waste solids.
Revised: September 30, 2009 |
Published: October 31, 2001