April 1, 2023
We warmly welcome Dr Stuart Aberdeen as the newest member of Seoul National University, Nuclear Fuel Cycle & Nonproliferation Lab. Obtaining a BSc in Chemistry & Chemical Engineering (University of Huddersfield), a MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering (University of Manchester) and a MRes in Nuclear Energy (Imperial College London), before achieving his PhD in Materials Science at Imperial College London, he has gained a wealth of knowledge in separations, ion exchange, nanomaterials and environmental remediation with a strong connection to nuclear decommissioning. Following on from successful post-doctoral positions, home and abroad, Dr Aberdeen takes up a senior researcher role in the Decontamination, Decommissioning and Waste Management (DDWM) Team. Drawing on his years of experience, he will help support the development of Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) based solvometallurgy separations to develop green, low-cost metal recovery and recycling technologies for a variety of wastes from the nuclear and electronics industries, all while supporting the wider DES research at SNUNFC.
Dr. Aberdeen's Arrival
Dr. Aberdeen has gained a wide range of experiences ranging from nanomaterials synthesis, characterization and fundamental chemical analysis to RI and heavy metal separations. He brings to SNUNFC a strong academic background in the form of a Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience from Imperial College London in the areas of nuclear energy, chemical engineering, and materials science as well as nuclear waste management and environmental remediation, and industrial experience from his time as a process engineer in the UK. His academic achievements reflect his deep commitment to understanding the intricacies of nuclear waste management, environmental remediation of radionuclides and heavy metals, and separation using nanoparticles and ion exchange resins.
Recently appointed as a Senior Researcher at Seoul National University, his work will focus on the development of a Green Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) Systems for Radionuclide Recovery and Green Technologies for Low-cost Recycling of Spent Li-ion Batteries. Prior to this he has held two previous post-doctoral positions at Kwangwoon University (Republic of Korea) and Imperial College London (UK). As a Postdoctoral Fellow at Kwangwoon University (2022.05 - 2023.03) he conducted multiple projects related to metasurface design for areas such as optics, memory, and display, utilizing the use of nanostructure with graphene and other 2D-materials. Actively co-authoring on three research papers in international academic journals over the space of ten months. While at Imperial College London as a Postdoctoral Research Associate (2021.08 - 2022.05) investigated under deposit corrosion (UDC) mechanism of steel steam generations using X-ray tomography.
Dr Aberdeen achieved his Ph.D. in Materials Science, from Imperial College London, UK in the field of nuclear, including a wide range of experiences applicable to separations and environmental remediation, specifically related to nuclear waste management. His research work focused on the development of novel materials and techniques for the remediation of radioactive wastes, ranging from nanomaterials synthesis and characterization to fundamental chemical analysis and separations experiments.

Dr Aberdeen also holds an MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering (The University of Manchester, UK), contributing to a joint R&D project between the University of Manchester and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute investigating the waste treatment of a radioactive spent catalyst waste, and an MRes in Nuclear Energy from Imperial college London, UK.
Deep Eutectic Solvent Focused Research at SNUNFC
Dr. Aberdeen will play a pivotal role in helping to further the on-going R&D into the application of DES systems to nuclear decommissioning and e-waste challenges. His work will primarily focus on (1) development and application of a cost-effective green DES systems for nuclear decontamination and decommissioning, and (2) supporting to develop a green, low-cost rare metal recovery and recycling technology for waste battery cathodes. Exploiting the benefits of efficient and eco-friendly solvents to hone the advantages of DES. The aim is to build on current research being conducted within the SNUNFC group to further develop eco-friendly solvometallurgy waste treatment options.
Nuclear waste streams largely contain RIs which are generated every year and pose a significant concern in regards to free-release of these wastes waters, for potential contamination routes and disposal. As the push for greener energy is now in motion and with increasing electricity demand, the number of nuclear new builds is on the rise. Although, current separation and removal techniques are reasonably effective, with the challenge of dealing with the increasing volumes and the extremely high cost related to nuclear waste management and decommissioning there is a significant need for cost-effective and green separation tools. Processes using green solvents such as DES could offer the solution.
Waste volume reduction and production of greener waste forms is highly important from the point of view of alleviating the pressure of rapidly filling interim storage facilities. In Korea storage space for nuclear waste in rapidly running out. Although nuclear waste management and decommissioning has become a major industry, there are still some shortcomings when it comes to efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Shortcomings further compounded by the continued use of harsh and non-environmentally friendly chemical reagents, such as mineral acids for decontamination. Having the ability to treat wastes containing RIs effectively, eco-friendly and at reduced cost is essential.

The results from this research will be used to directly aid in the ever increasing social and costly problem of nuclear waste management, specifically in waste volume reduction. Moreover, this research can also be applied to other industries with similar challenges. The experimentation will focus on nuclear related waste streams such as, spent catalyst treatment, nuclear fuel reprocessing, and decontamination & decommissioning, as well as those wastes from the electronic industries where these effect both Korea and abroad.
A major contribution from Dr Aberdeen's research will be in helping Korea become a world leading in the application DESs for nuclear and e-waste waste treatment and volume reduction. The expected effects and contributions from his research will bridge the gap between laboratory studies and real waste management by investigating experimental synthesis techniques and developing optimization strategies for the manufacture of novel DES systems.
SNUNFC Continues to Grow
Dr. Aberdeen joins a long list of new intakes to SNUNFC in spring 2023 with three new Ph.D. Students, Saehyun Choi, Samya Ismail, and Gaeul Choi, three new M.S. Students, Seongkoo Hong, Woohyun Lim, and Jihye Park, and two new undergraduate intern students, Ji-eon Kim and Wooseok Chung.

We welcome all new members with open arms and wish them all the best for their respective studies.
Further Reading:
Magnetic nanoparticles for metal adsorption: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2021.10.030
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