New system for complexation of uranyl ions from liquid wastes of low-level activity: Polypyrrole doped with complexing polyanions

Polymer composites consisting of polypyrrole doped by uranyl complexing polyanions [i.e., poly(2-acrylamidoglycolic acid) and poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid)] were electrochemically synthesized. Bulk material and thin layers strongly adhering to inert supporting electrodes were prepared. These composites were used to precipitate uranyl ions from simulated radioactive wastes. Among different experimental techniques used for the analysis of uranium immobilized in the composites, the Rutherford backscattering of cu particles proved efficient in thin layers. Leaching tests confirmed the persistence of the uranium complexation in the solid composites.