The effect of amorphization on the Cs ion exchange and retention capacity of zeolite-NaY

Zeolite-NaY is susceptible to both irradiation- and thermally-induced amorphization. Amorphized zeolite-NaY loses approximately 95% of its ion exchange capacity for cesium due to the loss of exchangeable cation sites and /or the blockage of access to exchangeable cation sites. A secondary phase was formed during the ion exchange reaction with cesium. The Cs-exchanged zeolite-NaY phase has a slightly higher thermal stability than the unexchanged zeolite-NaY. A desorption study indicated that the amorphization of cesium-loaded zeolite-NaY enhances the retention capacity of exchangeable Cs ions due to the closure of structural channels. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.