Research progress in radiation effects on ionic liquids

Abstract

Ionic liquids (ILs) are regarded as a new generation of green solvents in spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, because of their fascinating properties such as negligible vapor pressure, high thermal stability, and successful use in the extraction of metal ions. However, the full realization of their potential requires a comprehensive knowledge of radiation effects on ILs, as they would be exposed to high radiation dose during extraction of high-level radioactive nuclides. This review presents research on the radiation effects on ILs, including radiation effects on the structures and properties of ILs, pulse radiolysis and laser photolysis of ILs, identification of radiolytic products of ILs and their influence on the extraction of metal ions. Our vision for the further development of this field is also proposed.