Progress and prospect of nuclear waste solidification by synroc

Development of nuclear power is an important means to implement the national strategic goals of achieving "carbon peak" and "carbon neutral" , promoting the transformation and upgrading of the industrial structure. Nuclear waste is generated during the exploitation, utilization, and disposal of nuclear energy resources. Due to its long half-life, nuclear waste poses long-term environmental hazards. Constructing multiple barriers is a safe and effective measure for the disposal of nuclear waste, mitigating the environmental risks it poses. Solidification pretreatment serves as the first barrier for nuclear waste disposal. The solidification of nuclear waste by synroc is considered to be an ideal method for creating the first line of defense due to its characteristics of radiation resistance, high stability, and low capacity ratio. This work provides a comprehensive review of the research advances in the solidification of nuclear waste using synroc. It discusses the methods and types of synroc employed for the solidification of nuclear waste. The mechanism of the solidification of nuclear waste using synroc is understood through the analysis of microstructure and physicochemical characteristics. Suitable strategies and types of synroc for the solidification of nuclear waste are proposed. Additionally, the effects of radionuclide irradiation on the crystal structure and stability of synroc are analyzed. These results provide an important reference for the application of synroc solidification of nuclear waste.