Can mechanochemical methods or ionic liquids replace traditional solvent-based processes (e.g., PUREX) in nuclear fuel reprocessing to minimize secondary hazardous waste?
Mechanochemical methods and ionic liquids are promising solvent-free or low-waste alternatives to traditional solvent-based nuclear fuel reprocessing like PUREX. However, these approaches are still in development and require further improvements in selectivity, scalability, and cost before they can replace established industrial processes.