PNNL

Abstract

This paper details synthesis methods that were used to fabricate phase-pure Nd3BSi2O10 using a LiCl-flux method. In this study, a variety of conditions were evaluated to find the optimal processing parameters for maximizing the Nd3BSi2O10 yield including the mass ratio of LiCl to target mass of Nd3BSi2O10 including 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, and 6:1 as well as the soak temperature (i.e., 700, 800, or 900°C) at the 1:1 ratio. It was found that the optimal ratio of LiCl:Nd3BSi2O10 was 1:1 and the optimal heat-treatment temperature was 900°C. Product made from the 1:1 material synthesized at 900°C was recovered and fired at temperatures of 925–1350°C. After 4-h firings at temperatures of 925–1100°C, the Nd3BSi2O10 phase purity was found to be 100% with powder X-ray diffraction, but started to decompose at the longer firing times at 1100°C and higher temperatures (1350°C) at the 4-h dwell time. The durability of the Nd3BSi2O10 product was examined in flow-through conditions at pH 5.6 and 7.7 and 90°C. The release rate of Nd from the material at pH 5.6 was calculated to be 1.6×10-3 g m-2 d-1 and was determined to have a maximum release rate of Nd at pH 7.7 of 5.6×10-3 g m-2 d-1. These release rates are roughly three orders of magnitude lower than what is typically measured from glass waste forms.