<p>Safe management of iodine-129, a long-lived radionuclide, is a significant challenge in the nuclear fuel cycle as well as its final disposal. To investigate the potential iodine immobilization technology using corrosion-resistant metals as a host matrix, we presented initial results of encapsulating silver iodide (AgI)-loaded alumina sorbents in metallic zirconium (Zr) sintered using powder metallurgy hot isostatic pressing (PM HIP). Metallographic measurements showed that zirconium powder was successfully converted into pore-free solid bulk metals using HIP. The elemental distribution analyses showed that the AgI on alumina beads was decomposed during HIP at 1350&#xa0;°C. Silver diffused and formed in a rim around the alumina beads, creating an Ag–Zr compound. Iodine remained inside the rim and was effectively encapsulated in the bulk Zr matrix.</p> Graphical Abstract <p><i>MRS Advances special issue: Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XLVIII</i></p> <p>“Encapsulation of Iodine-loaded silver-impregnated alumina sorbents in zirconium by powder metallurgy hot isostatic pressing” by Tomofumi Sakuragi.</p> <p></p>