Once captured, the radioactive ions can then be exchanged for higher-charged species of a similar size, recycling the material for re-use. Lab results using the NDTB-1 crystals removed approximately 96 percent of technetium-99.
Once captured, radioactive ions are replaced with larger-charged counterparts of similar dimensions, making it possible to reuse the material. Laboratory experiments using NDTB-1 crystals demonstrated a significant reduction in technetium-99 levels, approximately 96%.