M2 - Separative Chemistry, Materials, and Processes (MAT P2)

This teaching unit covers the concepts needed to understand the consequences of irradiation on ceramic materials (fuels, specific containment matrices). In the case of nuclear fuel materials, this involves analyzing degradation phenomena within the materials (point defects, extended defects) and the associated consequences on long-term behavior under storage or disposal conditions. In this context, irradiation/leaching couplings will also be addressed.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 12 p.m.

            Tutorial: 8 hours

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The program for this EU focuses on an experimental approach to basic knowledge related to radiochemistry, separative chemistry, and conversion processes. This knowledge will be applied through specific examples.

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A general approach to the supramolecular chemistry of the f elements will be developed through concepts of molecular recognition, the specific physicochemical properties of lanthanides and actinides, and supramolecular materials.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 12 p.m.

            Tutorial: 8 hours

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This teaching unit covers various aspects related to the measurement of radionuclides in solution and the analytical strategy to be implemented in order to achieve reliable measurements. All radiochemical techniques will be introduced, including isotopic labeling and dilution, and separation and purification methods prior to radioactive measurement. An important part of this teaching unit will also focus on the choice of instrumental techniques depending on the radionuclide in question, the expression of a counting result taking into account measurement uncertainties, and the statistical approach associated with nuclear counting.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 12 p.m.

            Tutorial: 8 hours

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This modeling course aims to introduce modern methods of modeling matter that can be used to study separative chemistry and complex environments. The idea is to present the different scales of description used to describe chemistry, from molecular simulations to thermodynamic models such as those used in chemical engineering. Particular interest is shown in statistical thermodynamics, which allows these scales of description to be linked.

Hourly volumes:

CM: 12 H

Tutorial: 8 hours

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This teaching unit covers various aspects related to the synthesis and remanufacturing of nuclear fuels. After describing the different categories of nuclear fuels, the manufacturing processes implemented on an industrial scale will be discussed. The various methods of reprocessing (recycling), conversion, and remanufacturing of fuels will be described. The constraints associated with optimizing new fuel materials for Generation III and IV reactors will be addressed, highlighting the evolution of constraints on materials and their environment.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 12 p.m.

            Tutorial: 8 hours

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This teaching unit covers the concepts necessary to understand the dissolution or leaching/alteration of ceramic-type materials. In the case of nuclear fuel materials, this involves analyzing degradation phenomena under aggressive conditions representative of a recycling or reprocessing stage, as well as those related to their alteration under more "mild" conditions representative of direct storage in deep geological formations.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 12 p.m.

            Tutorial: 8 hours

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This teaching unit covers the concepts essential to understanding the upstream part of the nuclear fuel cycle and sheds light on the position of nuclear energy in the current energy mix. The concepts covered range from uranium extraction/concentration in conventional and unconventional mines to nuclear fuel fabrication, including isotopic conversion and enrichment techniques.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 12 p.m.

            Tutorial: 8 hours

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This course in separation chemistry aims to introduce the various concepts necessary for the study of separation chemistry. The idea is to present the role of the various interactions present in complex environments and their role in separation. The experimental measurement of these various effects, their practical representation, and their link with interfacial phenomena are also discussed.

Hourly volumes:

CM: 12 H

Tutorial: 8 hours

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This teaching unit addresses various aspects related to the synthesis, characterization, and long-term behavior of glass matrices. An initial aspect concerning the methodology for studying the long-term behavior of glass matrices under weathering conditions will be developed, specifying in particular the initial characteristics of the materials, the key phenomena governing their behavior, and the appropriate predictive models. Subsequently, the phenomena of leaching and aging under irradiation of glassy materials will be addressed. These different concepts will be supported by a case study on the long-term behavior of nuclear glasses.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 12 p.m.

            Tutorial: 8 hours

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This teaching unit will cover the various techniques available for dismantling and decontaminating nuclear facilities. After describing the challenges and operations involved in dismantling facilities and the measurement tools available (imagers, gamma spectrometers, etc.), the decontamination processes available will be presented according to the nature of the objects to be decontaminated (conventional decontamination processes or complex fluids). Several innovative techniques for decontaminating contaminated surfaces will be presented (conventional decontamination processes, micellar solutions, gels, foams, supercritical fluids).

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 12 p.m.

            Tutorial: 8 hours

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This teaching unit focuses on membrane separation and liquid-liquid extraction processes. The section on membrane separation processes will first cover conventional liquid phase separation processes (microfiltration, ultrafiltration, etc.) and gas treatment. More innovative processes, such as membrane contactors and reactors, will be covered in the second part. The section on liquid-liquid extraction processes will first cover general principles, followed by an explanation of the PUREX process used for spent fuel reprocessing. The final section will cover methods for modeling liquid-liquid extraction operations.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 12 p.m.

            Tutorial: 8 hours

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This teaching unit aims to provide a better understanding of the chemical behavior of radionuclides in environmental conditions. To this end, the concept of speciation in different environmental compartments will be introduced, as well as the various techniques that contribute to the overall analysis. Focus will be placed on X-ray absorption, X-ray fluorescence imaging, transmission electron microscopy, and SIMS. Speciation results will then be correlated with potential environmental impacts.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 12 p.m.

            Tutorial: 8 hours

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Scientific information: This course aims to familiarize students with scientific information research and management. In this context, the latest bibliographic research tools will be explained and used during lectures/tutorials (Electronic documentation: Scifinder/Isis/Belstein). Training in the features of the Zotero tool and the use of the electronic laboratory notebook will also be provided. The writing and use of scientific publications will be discussed.

Bibliographic project: Scientific information research tools will be applied to a specific case. The teaching team will propose a bibliographic topic to the student related to their chosen field of study. Where appropriate, this bibliographic topic may be defined in agreement with the host organization where the internship will take place.

For this personal project, students will have access to all bibliographic sources at the university or company hosting them. The bibliographic work may be combined with the English teaching unit in order to prepare for an oral defense similar to an oral presentation at an international conference.

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The internship, lasting 4 to 6 months, must be carried out in a research laboratory or a company specializing in extractive or separative chemistry, recycling chemistry, radiochemistry, materials chemistry, or process chemistry. Students will therefore have the opportunity to complete this end-of-study internship in academic research laboratories or industrial establishments. Subject to prior approval by the teaching team (internship topic related to the master's program and adequate environment/resources), students may seek a host team in an academic setting at the institutes of the Chemistry Department of the University of Montpellier, in academic laboratories outside the University of Montpellier (in France or abroad), or in the private sector (in France or abroad). 

This internship, lasting 4 to 6 months, may begin at the start of March and will be preceded by the submission of a bibliographic report related to the internship topic and an oral defense before a jury.

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