Electrochemical decontamination of radioactive metals by alkaline processing

A novel method for decontaminating radio-contaminated nickel comprising, in an electrorefining cell having a semi-permeable membrane, cathodically depositing substantially contaminant-free nickel from an alkaline solution containing electrolyte, nickel ions, and radioactive ions. Preferably, the electrolyte solution is ammonium sulfate maintained at a pH of least about 10 (as measured at cell temperature). The electrorefining methods of the invention eliminate the need for separate dissolving and plating tanks, and may be operated by a single power source. These methods are particularly useful for remediating nickel contaminated by technetium, uranium and actinide metals.