Progress of Cryogenics and Isotopes Separation , ISSN: 1582-2575
2007, Volume 10, Issue 19+20

Characteristics Improvement of Hydrophobic Polytrafluroethylene – Platinum Catalysts for Tritium Separation

Abstract

Based on the long experience of the authors in the preparation, testing and evaluation of the performances of hydrophobic catalysts and based on the reviewed references, this paper presents up-to-date R&D activities on the preparation methods and applications of the hydrophobic catalysts in tritium separation. The objectives of the paper are: (1) how to improve the characteristics and performance of platinum hydrophobic catalysts; (2) to assess and find a new procedure for the preparation of a new improved  hydrophobic catalyst. From reviewed references platinum is considered to be the most active and efficient catalytic metal and that polytetrafluoroethylene is the best wet-proofing agent.

A new improved hydrophobic Pt-catalyst has been proposed and is now underway to be tested. The main steps and experimental conditions of preparation are largely discussed. A new wet-proofing agent and new binding agents (titanium dioxide, cerium dioxide, zirconium dioxide) with a catalytic role are proposed and tested. The physico-structural parameters of the improved catalyst have been determined and are discussed in detail. The new proposal is a promising idea to improve the performance of conventional hydrophobic Pt-catalysts.