Francesco Galluccio
PhD thesis title: Advanced Radiochemical Methods and Chemical Processes for Radioactive Waste Management and Environmental Monitoring in Nuclear Decommissioning
Academic Tutor: Mario Mariani
Academic Supervisor: Eros Mossini and Elena Macerata
Industrial Supervisor: Gianmarco Bilancia (JRC-Ispra) and Paolo Peerani (JRC-Ispra)
PhD cycle: 35° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Energy Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Nuclear Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
Young Professional grant awarded for the IAEA International Conference on Radioactive Waste Management: Solutions for a Sustainable Future (1 – 5 November 2021, Vienna, Austria) / Co-chair for Session 6 of the IAEA International Conference on Radioactive Waste Management: Solutions for a Sustainable Future (1 – 5 November 2021, Vienna, Austria) / Energy for Motion grant awarded by Energy Department of Politecnico di Milano for participation in a prestigious international conference as speaker (December 2021, Milan, Italy) / MSc/PhD competition award for the high scientific level and originality of the contribution at 10th edition of Euratom research and training conferences on fission safety of reactor systems (FISA 2022) and radioactive waste management (EURADWASTE '22) (May 30 – June 3, Lyon, France) / Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNEPT) grant for participating in the FISA 2022 & EURADWASTE '22 conference (May 30 – June 3, Lyon, France)
Thesis abstract
My PhD research project is focused on the development of advanced and sustainable radiochemical methods thus facing the most complex phases of a nuclear facility lifecycle such as decommissioning and waste management.
A separation protocol to be combined with a non-radiometric technique like mass spectrometry was developed for the characterization of 135Cs hard-to-measure radionuclide.
Finally, the fine-tuning and scale-up of a Fenton wet oxidative treatment was pursued to manage the challenging spent organic ion exchange resins, while an optimization of an advanced PHADEC-based process was conducted to reuse and recycle scrap metals.
A separation protocol to be combined with a non-radiometric technique like mass spectrometry was developed for the characterization of 135Cs hard-to-measure radionuclide.
Finally, the fine-tuning and scale-up of a Fenton wet oxidative treatment was pursued to manage the challenging spent organic ion exchange resins, while an optimization of an advanced PHADEC-based process was conducted to reuse and recycle scrap metals.
Personal interest in my research theme
I love my research for its challenging nature and for its potential contribution to minimize the environmental impact of a nuclear facility lifecycle thus boosting nuclear technology choice for our green energy future. My research is exciting with its several experiments to run before following a path. They stretch my mind with new ideas, doubts and solutions. I like the strong teamwork, a great opportunity to grow as a professional. Finally, I can present my work at different conferences, and meet other leading researchers that could open new horizons early into my career.
