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

Polymer composites consisting of polypyrrole doped by uranyl complexing pol yanions [i.e., poly(2-acrylamidoglycolic acid) and poly(2-acrylamido-2-meth yl-1-propanesulfonic acid)] were electrochemically synthesized. Bulk materi al and thin layers strongly adhering to inert supporting electrodes were pr epared. These composites were used to precipitate uranyl ions from simulate d radioactive wastes. Among different experimental techniques used for the analysis of uranium immobilized in the composites, the Rutherford backscatt ering of cu particles proved efficient in thin layers. Leaching tests confi rmed the persistence of the uranium complexation in the solid composites. ( C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.