Microextractors applied in nuclear-spent fuel reprocessing: Micro/mini plants and radiochemical analysis

Highly radioactive and hazardous radionuclides in nuclear-spent fuel are harmful to the environment and hinder further development of the nuclear energy industry. Microextractors, with the advantages of a small volume, fast extraction kinetics, passive operation mode, and the ability to integrate with detection instruments, are considered perfect candidates for the detection and mitigation of the risks related to hazardous radionuclides in spent fuel reprocessing. The applications of microextractors in spent fuel reprocessing can be classified into two groups. The first one includes the applications in micro/mini extraction plants, and the other encompasses radiochemical analysis. This review introduces both groups in detail, including their basic concepts, principles, and research status.