ISSN: 0256-1115 (print version) ISSN: 1975-7220 (electronic version)
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Language
English
Conflict of Interest
In relation to this article, we declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Publication history
Received August 10, 2025
Revised September 12, 2025
Accepted September 16, 2025
Available online June 25, 2026
articles This is an Open-Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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Off‑Gas Behavior and Capture Technologies in Pyroprocessing of Spent Nuclear Fuel

Fuel Cycle Process Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
seokminhong@kaeri.re.kr
Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, June 2026, 43(7), 1833-1848(16)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-025-00563-5

Abstract

Pyroprocessing is a promising technology for recycling spent nuclear fuel due to its compact system design, high tolerance 

to radiation and heat, and inherent resistance to nuclear proliferation. However, thermal treatment of spent fuel during the 

process results in the release of gaseous fssion products, which must be managed to ensure environmental safety and regulatory

compliance. In contrast to aqueous reprocessing, where many fssion products remain in solution, pyroprocessing 

involves direct high-temperature volatilization of radionuclides, resulting in distinct release behaviors that require tailored 

management. This review provides an overview of the of-gas behavior of key fssion products such as Cs-137, I-129, Tc-99, 

Se-79, H-3, C-14, and Kr-85 during the process steps, including voloxidation and sintering. The release characteristics are 

analyzed with respect to their chemical forms, thermal stability, and sensitivity to process conditions. The recent advances 

in capture technologies are also reviewed, focusing on materials and methods applicable to the pyrochemical environment. 

These include both conventional and emerging strategies for selective capture and immobilization of radioactive gases. 

By integrating fndings from thermodynamic and experimental studies, this review highlights critical considerations for 

designing efcient of-gas treatment systems in pyroprocessing, providing guidance for future development of sustainable 

radionuclide management.

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