Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
A series of glass samples were prepared analogously to high level waste glass using either glass frit or glass precursors combined with a high level waste surrogate containing NaTcO4. Three different technetium species were observed in these glasses depending upon the synthesis conditions. If the glasses were prepared by reducing NaTcO4 to TcO2•2H2O with hydrazine or if a large amount of organic material was present, inclusions of TcO2 were observed. If no organic material was present, technetium was incorporated as TcO4−. If only a small amount of organic material was present, isolated Tc(IV) sites were observed in the glass. The relative technetium retention of these glasses was estimated from the Tc K-edge height, and had no correlation with the oxidation state of the technetium. Pertechnetate was well retained in these glasses.