Synthesis, structural transformation and magnetic properties of the Nd(III)-doped Fe_3−<i>x</i>Nd_<i>x</i>O₄ (0 ≤ <i>x</i> ≤ 0.9): an analogue for actinicles immobilization

Abstract Magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) is increasingly valued for its excellent performance on radioactive wastes disposal. Here, Fe 3− x Nd x O 4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.9) components are synthesized using a co-precipitation method to simulate the solidification capacity for trivalent actinides in Fe 3 O 4 . These components are characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman, demonstrating that with the increasement of Nd(III) content, the samples gradually transformed from inverse spinel to orthorhombic phase. And x ≤ 0.6, Nd(III) can be solidified to Fe 3 O 4 lattice via replacing octahedron Fe(III). Furthermore, the vibrating sample magnetometer tests manifest that Fe 3− x Nd x O 4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.9) components hold the capable of responding to external magnetic field, which makes magnetic separation feasible. Our findings are expected to provide a promising idea for radioactive wastes disposal.