Lines of research

1. Analysis of radionuclide retention processes onto mineral surfaces. This includes the investigation of radionuclide (RN) sorption processes onto different types of solids (oxides, clays, cement, soils) natural or synthetized in the laboratory. The RN-solid interactions are investigated under a wide range of experimental conditions, with the objective of interpreting them by thermodynamic and geochemical modelling.
2. Analysis of radionuclide transport in different materials, especially those composing the engineered and natural barriers of radioactive waste disposals. Research is also focused on the optimization of geochemical barriers against contaminant migration. Interpretation and modelling of laboratory tests represent a previous step to the execution of large-scale or in-situ experiments in underground laboratories. 
3. Analysis of the role of colloid, nanoparticles and/or organic and inorganic ligands on radionuclide transport. The presence of colloids, nanoparticles and various types of ligands may increase contaminant mobility. One of the objectives of this line is to analyse the mechanisms of colloid formation from different barrier materials, to characterise the particle formed and to evaluate their stability and their interactions with RNs.
4. Analysis of the role of pore water, mineralogy, geochemistry of clays and clay rocks on radionuclide transport. A knowledge of the pore water chemistry in the clay rocks and bentonites is essential because is an important parameter affecting the dissolution of the waste matrix, canister corrosion, barrier performance and the overall radionuclide behavior. Pore water chemistry is the result of the interactions among water, solutes and clay occurring in the clay/water system. Thus, a complete characterization of mineralogical, physical and chemical characteristics of the clay system is necessary.