M2 - Separative chemistry, materials and processes (MAT P2)

This teaching unit deals with the notions necessary to understand the consequences of an irradiation on ceramic materials (fuels, specific containment matrices). In the case of nuclear fuel materials, it will analyze the degradation phenomena within the materials (point defects, extensive defects) as well as the associated consequences on the long-term behavior in storage conditions. In this context, the irradiation/leaching couplings will also be addressed.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 12h

            TD : 8h

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The program of this course is centered on an experimental approach of the basic knowledge related to radiochemistry, separative chemistry and conversion processes. This knowledge will be implemented through specific examples.

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

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 12h

            TD : 8h

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This teaching unit deals with different aspects related to the measurement of radionuclides in solution as well as the analytical strategy to be implemented in order to achieve a reliable measurement. All radiochemical techniques will be introduced, including isotopic labelling and dilution, separation and purification methods prior to radioactive measurement. An important part of this teaching unit will also deal with the choice of instrumental techniques according to the radionuclide considered, the expression of a counting result taking into account the measurement uncertainties as well as the statistical approach associated with nuclear counting.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 12h

            TD : 8h

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This modeling course aims to introduce modern material modeling methods that can be used to study separative chemistry and complex media. 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. A particular interest is shown for statistical thermodynamics which allows the link between these scales of description.

Hourly volumes* :

CM : 12 H

TD : 8 H

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This teaching unit deals with various aspects related to the synthesis and remanufacturing of nuclear fuels. After a description of the different categories of nuclear fuels, the manufacturing processes used on an industrial scale will be discussed. The different methods of reprocessing (recycling), conversion and remanufacturing of fuels will be described. The constraints related to the optimization of new fuel materials for Generation III and IV reactors will be discussed, emphasizing the evolution of constraints on materials and their environment.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 12h

            TD : 8h

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This teaching unit covers the notions necessary to understand the dissolution or leaching/alteration of ceramic materials. In the case of nuclear fuel materials, the aim is to analyze the degradation phenomena under aggressive conditions representative of a recycling or reprocessing stage, but also those related to their alteration, under "softer" conditions, representative of a direct storage in deep geological formation.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 12h

            TD : 8h

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This course covers the essential notions for understanding the upstream part of the nuclear power cycle and sheds light on the position of nuclear energy in the current energy mix. The concepts covered range from the extraction/concentration of uranium in conventional and non-conventional mines to the fabrication of nuclear fuel, with a focus on conversion and isotopic enrichment techniques.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 12h

            TD : 8h

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

Hourly volumes* :

CM : 12 H

TD : 8 H

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This teaching unit deals with different aspects related to the synthesis, characterization and long-term behavior of glassy matrices. A first aspect concerning the methodology for studying the long-term behavior of glassy matrices under alteration conditions will be developed by specifying the initial characteristics of the materials, the key phenomena governing their behavior and the adapted predictive models. Then, the leaching and aging phenomena under irradiation of glassy materials will be discussed. These different notions will be supported by a case study on the long-term behavior of nuclear glasses.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 12h

            TD : 8h

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This teaching unit will address the different possible techniques for dismantling and decontaminating nuclear facilities. After having described the stakes and the operations related to the dismantling of the installations and then the available measurement tools (imagers, gamma spectrometers, ...), the available decontamination processes will be presented according to the nature of the objects to be decontaminated (traditional decontamination processes or by complex fluids). Several innovative techniques for decontamination of contaminated surfaces will be presented (classical decontamination processes, micellar solutions, gels, foams, supercritical fluids).

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 12h

            TD : 8h

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This teaching unit focuses on membrane separation processes and liquid-liquid extraction. The part on membrane separation processes will first deal with classical liquid phase separation processes (microfiltration, ultrafiltration, ...) and gas treatment. The more innovative processes such as contactors and membrane reactors will be treated in a second part. The part on liquid-liquid extraction processes will first of all give some generalities allowing to understand the PUREX process set up for the reprocessing of spent fuel. A last part will deal with the modelling methods of liquid-liquid extraction operations.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 12h

            TD : 8h

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This teaching unit aims to better understand the chemical behavior of radionuclides under environmental conditions. To this end, the notion of speciation in different environmental compartments will be introduced, as well as the different techniques allowing to contribute to the global analysis. A focus will be put on X-ray absorption, X-ray fluorescence imaging, transmission electron microscopy and SIMS. Speciation results will then be correlated to potential environmental impacts.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 12h

            TD : 8h

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Scientific information: The aim of this course is to familiarize students with the search and management of scientific information. In this context, recent tools for bibliographic research will be explained and used during courses/DD (Electronic documentation: Scifinder / Isis / Belstein). Training in the functionalities of the Zotero tool and in the use of the electronic laboratory notebook will also be provided. The writing and use of scientific publications will be addressed.

Bibliographic project: The tools of scientific information research will be applied to a concrete case. The pedagogical team will propose a bibliographic subject to the student in relation with the chosen orientation. This bibliographic subject may, if necessary, be defined in agreement with the host organization where the internship will be carried out.

For this personal project, the student will have access to all the bibliographic sources of the university or the company that hosts him/her. The bibliographic work may be combined with the English teaching unit in order to prepare an oral presentation at an international conference.

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The 4 to 6 month internship must be carried out in a research laboratory or a company specialized in extractive or separative chemistry, recycling chemistry, radiochemistry, materials chemistry or process chemistry. Thus, students will have the opportunity to carry out this end-of-study internship in academic research laboratories or industrial establishments. Subject to prior acceptance by the teaching staff (internship subject related to the Master's courses and adequate environment/means), the student may seek a host team in the academic environment in the institutes of the Chemistry Pole 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 4 to 6 month internship may begin at the beginning 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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