Sorption Composite Materials Based on Tungsten Oxide for the Extraction of Radioactive Strontium from Aqueous Media

Abstract

The work synthesized and studied composite sorption materials based on tungsten oxide within a high-pressure polyethylene matrix for the extraction of radioactive strontium (⁹⁰Sr) from aqueous media. The influence of heat treatment (100–900°C) on the phase composition, structure, and sorption properties was investigated. It was established that composites calcined at 100 and 300°C, which retain a mixture of cubic H_xWO₃ and tetragonal WO₃ phases, exhibit maximum efficiency: the Sr extraction degree reaches 90%, and distribution coefficient K_d is 9 × 10³ mL/g. The high sorption capacity is due to the developed mesoporous structure and the accessibility of active ion-exchange centers. The introduction of polyethylene significantly enhances the hydromechanical strength of the materials, ensuring their stability under dynamic conditions. The results demonstrate the promise of the developed composites for application in technologies for treating liquid radioactive waste.