Incorporation of iodates into hydroxyapatites: a new approach for the confinement of radioactive iodine

Abstract

A new strategy for the confinement of iodine has been developed: it consists in incorporating iodate anions (IO3−) into hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HA). The iodate-substituted HA was synthesized by precipitation, and characterized in detail. Its thermal stability and resistance to leaching were then evaluated, revealing promising properties in view of radioactive iodine confinement applications.