Mechanochemical synthesis of the copper autunites – a new route to remediation of potentially toxic elements Caroline Kirk and Fiona MacIver-Jones School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, U.K Society is heavily reliant on metals for all aspects of human and economic development. For example, green energy technologies require metals such as lithium for batteries, rare earth elements for magnets used in wind turbines, and U for nuclear energy. In most cases, the metals are mined and processed as ores and then extracted, often using energy and water intensive processes which generate large volumes of waste. This waste, known as mine tailings, typically contains a cocktail of potentially toxic elements (PTE), including As, a well- known carcinogen. Mine tailing wastes are often left exposed, uncontained and untreated in developing nations which has led to numerous health crises, prompting the United Nations (UN) to demand immediate action. The development of mechanochemical waste remediation treatments could provide an efficient, low cost, and solvent free strategy with global application. Metatorbernite (Cu(UO 2 ) 2 (PO 4 ) 2 .8H 2 O) is a known stable U-containing phase, [1] which has been established as a remediation material. [2] In this poster, we describe a novel mechanochemical synthesis method for the Cu- autunites phases metatorbernite Cu(UO 2 ) 2 (PO 4 ) 2 .8H 2 O ( CuUP ) and metazeunerite Cu(UO 2 ) 2 (PO 4 ) 2 .8H 2 O ( CuUAs ) using mechanochemical techniques and laboratory grade starting reagents. These materials have potential to remediate U and As solid waste-streams. Results from characterisation of the samples using X-ray Powder Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy are presented and show the successful formation of the Cu-autunite phases. We discuss the method development and directions for future work, highlighting that the successful development of this technique could have huge societal impacts, particularly in developing regions with poor waste management. References 1. F.M. MacIver-Jones, P. Sutcliffe, M. Graham, C.A. Morrison and C.A. Kirk, IUCr J.l , 2021, 8(6). 963-972 2. S. Szenknect, A. Mesbah, M. Descostes, A. Maihatchi-Ahamed, L. Bonato, M. Massonnet, Y. Ziouane, E. Vors, T. Vercouter, N. Clavier, J. Lautru, N. Dacheux, J. Hazard. Mater., 2020, 392 , 122501.
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