Extraction of certain actinide and lanthanide elements from different acid media by polyurethane foams loaded with di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP)

The effect of added TBP on the extraction of uranium(VI) with a solution of di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phosphoric acid (HDEHP) in o-dichlorobenzene from nitric acid solutions has been investigated at varying concentrations of nitric acid, HDEHP, TBP and uranium(VI). The mechanism of the synergistic effect of TBP is discussed on the basis of the results and can be summarized in the following equation: UO _2(aq) ²⁺ +0.67(HX)_3(o)+2TBP_(o)UO₂X₂·2TBP_(o)+2H _(aq) ⁺ where HX denotes HDEHP and the HDEHP loaded on the foam is trimerized.     

Extraction of certain actinide and lanthanide elements from different acidic media by polyurethane foams loaded with di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP)

The extraction of cerium(III) from weakly acidic chloride solutions by HDEHP-nitrobenzene-loaded polyurethane foams could be analyzed quantitatively in terms of the equation: log(9.056 D_c)=log K_c+2.14 log (C_d?6C_c)+3 pH+log f_c where D_c is the distribution ratio of cerium(III) between the foam and aqueous phases, C_d and C_c are the total HDEHP and Ce(III) concentrations on the foam, respectively, log f_c=[Ce³⁺]_(sq)/[ΣCe(III)]_(aq), and K_c is the equilibrium constant of the equation: Ce _(aq) ³⁺ +2.14(HX)_2.8(o) ? ? CeX₆·H_3(o)+3H _(aq) ⁺ . Values of K_c under the different extraction conditions tested are given.     

Extraction and separation of Th(IV) and U(VI) from nitric acid media using PIA-8 and HDEHP

Extraction behavior of Th(IV) and U(VI) has been investigated with bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphinic acid (PIA-8) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP) from nitric acid media in toluene. The optimum conditions for extraction of these metals have been established by studying various parameters like acid concentration, pH, reagent concentration, diluents and shaking time. The extraction of Th(IV) was found to be quantitative with 0.3-2.5M HNO₃ by 2.5^.10^-2M HDEHP and in the pH range 0.1-2.5 with 2.3^.10^-2M PIA-8 in toluene. U(VI) was completely extracted in the acidic range of 0.1-2.0M HNO₃ with 2.2^.10^-2M HDEHP and in the pH range of 1.0-3.0 with 2.0^.10^-2M PIA-8 in toluene. The probable extracted species have been ascertained by log D-log c plot as UO₂ R₂ ^.2HR with both the reagents and Th (NO₃)₂R₂ ^.2HR with PIA-8 and Th (NO₃)₃R^.3HR with HDEHP, respectively. Temperature dependence of the extraction equilibrium is examined by the temperature variation method. Separation of U(VI) and Th(IV) was also carried out from commonly associated metals.     

Solvent Extraction Separation of Th(IV) and U(VI) with PC-88A

Liquid-liquid extraction of Th(IV) and U(VI) has been investigated by commercial extractant PC-88A in toluene. The optimum conditions for extraction of these metals have been established by studying the various parameters like acid concentration/pH, reagent concentration, diluents and shaking time. The extraction of Th(IV) was found to be quantitative with 0.1–1.0M HNO₃ acid and in the pH range 1.0–4.0 while U(VI) was completely extracted in the pH range 1.0–3.5 with 2.5·10^–2M and 2.·10^–2M PC-88A in toluene, respectively. The probable extracted species have been ascertained by log D-log C plot as ThR₄·4HR and UO₂R₂·2HR, respectively. The method permits separation of Th(IV) and U(VI) from associated metals with a recovery of 99.0%.     

Interaction of uranyl with Se(IV) and Se(VI) in aqueous acid solutions by means of capillary electrophoresis

The uranyl–selenium(IV) and uranyl–selenium(VI) interactions were studied by CE in aqueous acid solutions, containing U(VI) and Se(IV) or Se(VI) at different concentrations, at pH 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5. The method proposed in this paper allows one with the use of CE data on metal ion mobilities at different pHs to establish the ligand species interacting with metal ion and complex species formed. In the case of Se(VI) a selenate, as demonstrated, interacts with uranyl ions, in the case of Se(IV) this is a hydroselenite. It was also shown that the equilibria for the U(VI)–Se(VI) and U(VI)–Se(IV) systems can be established from CE data. The formation of UO₂SeO₄, UO₂(SeO₄), UO₂HSeO and UO₂(HSeO₃)₂ species is demonstrated. The stability constant values were measured at different ionic strengths (from 0.02 to 0.2 mol/L). The logarithms of the stability constant values (β°) extrapolated to ionic strength 0 by the specific ion interaction theory (SIT) are found to be log β°₁=2.93±0.06 for UO₂SeO₄ formation, log β°₂=4.030.18 for UO₂(SeO₄) formation, log β°₁=3.270.15 for UO₂HSeO formation and log β°₂=5.510.11 for UO₂(HSeO₃)₂ at 25°C. The results for the first constant values for each of systems are consistent with the published values. For UO₂(SeO₄) formation, a new constant stability value is given. The existence of UO₂(HSeO₃)₂ complex species is demonstrated and its constant stability value is given for the first time.     

IR spectroscopic investigation of the structure of polymeric uranyl di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate molecules in C6H6 and CCl4 solutions

Using IR spectroscopy, we studied the types of coordination of POO groups in di(2-ethylthexyl)phosphate anionx X⁻ with UO ₂ ²⁺ cations in the C₆H₆ and CCl₄ solutions of the polymer molecules (UO₂X₂)_p. The polymers exhibit tridentate-bridge coordination (I), which is not typical of (MX_n)_p salts where the phosphoryl oxygen atom forms two bonds with U(VI) atoms. When a few U(VI) atoms (≳7%) interact with donar additives, all POO group I change their coordination to the usual bidentate-bridge type, , resulting in a structural transformation of the polymer. The bridging POO group are responsible for the difference in the dimerization and trimerization constants and the constants of the subsequent addition of the monomer molecules UO₂X₂ to the polymer chain (UO₂X₂)_p. It is suggested that type I coordination of X⁻ to U(VI) is due to an extended bond between the 2p²-electrons of the phosphoryl oxygen atom of the X⁻ anion and a vacant f-orbital of the U(VI) atom (p_π−f_π interaction). This unusual type of bond between uranium (VI) and tributyl phosphate (TBP) phosphoryl oxygen was found earlier for the UO₂Cl₂·2TBP complex. Institute of Catalysis, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences. Translated fromZhurnal Strukturmoi Khimii, Vol. 35, No. 6, pp. 60–65, November–December, 1994. Translated by K. Shaposhnikova     

Extraction and thermodynamic behavior of U(VI) and Th(IV) from nitric acid solution with tri-isoamyl phosphate

The extraction behavior of U(VI) and Th(IV) with tri-isoamyl phosphate–kerosene (TiAP–KO) from nitric acid medium was investigated in detail using the batch extraction method as a function of aqueous-phase acidity, TiAP concentration and temperature, then the thermodynamic parameters associated with the extraction were derived by the second-law method. It could be noted that the distribution ratios of U(VI) or Th(IV) increased with increasing HNO₃ concentration until 6 or 5 M from 0.1 M. However, a good separation factor (D _U(VI)/D _Th(IV)) of 88.25 was achieved at 6 M HNO₃, and the stripping of U(VI) from TiAP–KO with deionized water or diluted nitric acid was easier than that of Th(IV). The probable extracted species were deduced by log D-log c plot at different temperatures as UO₂(NO₃)₂·(TiAP)_(1–2) and Th(NO₃)₄·(TiAP)_(2–3), respectively. Additionally, △H, △G and △S for the extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) revealed that the extraction of U(VI) by TiAP was an exothermic process and was counteracted by entropy change, while the extraction of Th(IV) was an endothermic process and was driven by entropy change.     

Capillary zone electrophoretic (CZE) study of uranium(VI) complexation with humic acids

The interaction of UO₂ ²⁺ with various humic acids (HA's) has been studied by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The experiments were done in 10 mM acetate buffer with pH 3.3 and 4.0, to avoid hydrolysis of uranium. It was found that in slightly acidic media and low HA concentration (<3 mM), two complexes with uranium(VI) are formed by fast kinetics and uranyl migrates as cationic species. Electrophoretic mobilities are decreasing with the increasing HA/uranium ratio and a low soluble neutral compound is also formed. In addition, it was found that at HA concentrations higher than 3 mM negatively charged species are formed. Similar results were obtained for HA's of different origin (soil, peat, coal derived, IHSS standards). Conditional stability constants of the complexes UO₂ ²⁺-HA for Fluka I HA, were estimated to be log ₁ = 4.18±0.06 and log ₂ = 7.28±0.18.     

Synergistic extraction of uranium(VI) with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(2′-chlorobenzoyl)-pyrazolone-5 and acidic organophosphorus reagents

A study of the synergistic extraction of uranium(VI) from sulphuric acid solution with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(2-chlorobenzoyl)-pyrazolone-5 (PMCBP) together with di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phosphoric acid (HDEHP) and also mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-2-ethylhexyl-phosphate (HEHEHP) is described. The results suggest that the compositions of the extracted species is UO₂XHA₂ and UO₂X₂H₂A₂ respectively. Models for the extraction mechanism is also discussed.     

Selective extraction of U(VI) over Th(IV) from acidic streams using di-bis(2-ethylhexyl) malonamide anchored chloromethylated polymeric matrix

A new chelating polymeric sorbent has been developed using Merrifield chloromethylated resin anchored with di-bis (2-ethylhexyl) malonamide (DB2EHM). The modified resin was characterized by CPMAS NMR spectroscopy, FT-NIR-FIR spectroscopy, CHN elemental analysis and also by thermo gravimetric analysis. The fabricated sorbent showed superior binding affinity for U(VI) over Th(IV) and other diverse ions, even under high acidities. Various physio-chemical parameters, like solution acidity, phase exchange kinetics, metal sorption capacity, electrolyte tolerance studies, etc., influencing the resin’s metal extractive behavior were studied by both static and dynamic method. Batch extraction studies performed over a wide range of solution acidity (0.01-10 M) revealed that selective extraction of U(VI) could be achieved even up to 4 M acidity with distribution ratios (D) in the order of ∼10³. The phase exchange kinetics studies performed for U(VI) and Th(IV) revealed that time duration of <15 min was sufficient for >99.5% extraction. But similar studies when preformed for trivalent lanthanides gave very low D values (<50), with the extraction time extending up to 60 min. The metal sorption studies performed for U(VI) and Th(IV) at 5 M HNO₃ was found to be 62.5 and 38.2 mg g⁻¹,respectively. Extraction efficiency in the presence of inferring electrolyte species and inorganic cations were also examined. Metal ion desorption was effective using 10-15 mL of 1 M (NH₄)₂CO₃ or 0.5 M α-hydroxy isobutyric acid (HIBA). Extraction studies performed on a chromatographic column at 5 M acidity were found to give enrichment factor values of 310 and 250 for U(VI) and Th(IV), respectively. The practical utility of the fabricated chelating sorbent and its efficiency to extract actinides from acidic waste streams was tested using a synthetic nuclear spent fuel solution. The R.S.D. values obtained on triplicate measurements (n = 3) were within 5.2%.     

Complexation of U(VI) with diphenyldithiophosphinic acid: spectroscopy,structure and DFT calculations

The complexation of U(VI) with diphenyldithiophosphinic acid (denoted as HL) in acetonitrile was studied by UV–Vis, FT-IR, crystallography and DFT calculations. UV–Vis absorption spectrophotometry implies that three successive complexes, UO₂L⁺, UO₂L₂, UO₂L₃^?, form in the solution. Significant ligand to metal charge transfer occurs from soft atom S to U(VI) in all the three complexes. A crystal of UO₂L₂ complex was successfully synthesized from the solution. In the crystal both the two ligands coordinate to U(VI) in bidentate form. DFT calculations confirm the formation of UO₂L₃^? complex and help illustrate the structures of all the U(VI) species in the solution.     

Complexation of uranium(VI) by salicylate and substituted salicylates: A kinetic study

Summary Kinetic studies on the complexation of uranium(VI) by salicylate and various substituted salicylates have been carried out using the stopped-flow spectrophotometric technique at pH 7.0–8.5 (NH₄OH+NH₄NO₃ buffer). Results are in conformity with a mechanism involving binding of UO₂OH⁺ species through the carboxylate group of the salicylate to form an inner-sphere species in a fast equilibrium (equilibrium constant=K) followed by a slow rate-determining ring closure (rate constant=k) involving loss of a molecule of water between the OH group bound to uranium(VI) and the phenolic group of the salicylate. The value of the equilibrium constant (K) obtained from the kinetic data in the case of 5-sulphosalicylate (log K=3.21 at 25 °C, I=1 M) is compatible with the literature thermodynamic value (log K = 3.89 at 25 °C, I=0.015 M). Increase in pH retards the reaction due to the equilibrium, UO₂OH⁺ + OH^– UO₂(OH)₂, the UO₂(OH)₂ being unreactive. The average value of K (log K=8.58 at 25°C, I=1M) obtained kinetically from the results of investigation with different ligands is also in good agreement with the literature thermodynamic value (log K= 8.8 at 25°C, I=0.1M). Both K and k are sensitive to the nature of the substituent in the benzene ring, decreasing with increasing acidity of the -CO₂H group of the salicyclic acid; the substituent effect is well demonstrated by the plot of log kversus _L (where ), which is linear. H^# and S^# values corresponding to k have been evaluated in each case. S^# values are all negative in conformity with ring closure in the rate-determining step.     

Transport of U(VI) from sulphuric acid medium across supported liquid membrane (SLM) containing di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA)/n-dodecane as a carrier

This paper reports on the supported liquid membrane (SLM) based transport studies of U(VI) from sulphate medium using di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid/n-dodecane as carrier. Polytetrafluoroethylene membrane was used as solid support and H₂SO₄ as receiver phase. The effects of various parameters such as receiver phase concentration, feed acidity, carrier concentration, U(VI) concentration, membrane thickness and membrane pore size on U(VI) transport had been investigated. With increase in H₂SO₄ concentrations and pH of feed solution there is an increase in U(VI) transport across the SLM. Similarly with increase in membrane thickness the U(VI) transport decrease whereas in case of pore size variation reverse results are obtained. The membrane thickness variation results showed that the U(VI) transport across the SLM is entirely diffusion controlled and the diffusion coefficient the D _(o) was calculated as 1.36 × 10^?7 cm² s^?1. Based on optimized condition, a scheme had been tested for selective recovery of U(VI) from ore leach solution containing a large number of other metal ions.     

Solubility and Solubility Product at 22°C of UO2(c) Precipitated from Aqueous U(IV) Solutions

Solubility studies on UO₂(c), precipitated at 90^°C from low-pH U(IV) solutions, were conducted under rigidly controlled redox conditions maintained by EuCl₂ as a function of pH and from the oversaturation direction. Samples were equilibrated for 24 days at 90^°C and then for 1 day at 22^°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of the solid phases, along with the observed solubility behavior, identified UO₂(c) as the dominant phase at pH1.2 and UO₂(am) as the dominant phase at pH1.2. The UV-Vis-NIR spectra of the aqueous phases showed that aqueous uranium was present in the tetravalent state. Our ability to effectively maintain uranium in the tetravalent state during experiments and the recent availability of reliable values of Pitzer ion-interactionparameters for this system have helped to set reliable upper limits for the log K ^o value of –60.2 + 0.24 for the UO₂(c) solubility [UO₂(c) + 2H₂O U⁴⁺ + 4OH^–] and of >–11.6 for the formation of U(OH)₄(aq) [U⁴⁺+ 4H₂O U(OH)₄(aq) + 4H⁺]     

The formation of the complex pentacyano(3-pyrazincarboxylate)ferrate(II) in various water-cosolvent mixtures

This article presents the kinetic of formation of pentacyano(3-pyrazincarboxylate)ferrate(II) from pyrazincarboxylate and pentacyanoaquoferrate(II) ions in various isodielectric water-cosolvent mixtures at 298 K. The rate law is in the form d[Fe(CN)₅(3-pzCO₂)^4?]/dt = ??_f[Fe(CN)₅H₂O^?3] [pzCO₂^?]. Plots of log(??_f/dm³ mol^?1 s^?1) vs. D (where D_m is the bulk dielectric constant of the medium) and log(??_f/dm³ mol^?1 s^?1) vs. the Grunwald-Winstein parameter are nonlinear for some of the mixtures and to each mixture corresponds a different behavior in respect to the above parameters. The plots of log(??_f/dm³ mol^?1 s^?1) vs. the mol fraction of water are straight lines over the entire composition range studied, except for the water-methanol mixture. It is evident that the solvation phenomenon plays a dominant role and that the rate of formation is mediated by the dual solvent vectors, the overall basicity and acidity of the solvent mixtures.     

Liquid-liquid extraction and separation studies of uranium(vi)

Summary Separation of uranium(VI) from iron(III), molybdenum(VI), vanadium (V), bismuth(III), zirconium(IV) and thorium(IV) is achieved by liquid-liquid extraction with 4-methyl-3-pentene-2-one (mesityl oxide; MeO) from sodium salicylate media (0.1M, pH 6.0). The extracted species is UO₂(HO·C₆H₄COO)₂·2MeO. A procedure for separating 50g of uranium from mg amounts of the other metals is described.

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Flüssig-flüssig-Extraktion und Trennung von Uran(VI)

Zusammenfassung Die Trennung des U(VI) von Fe(III), Mo(VI), V(V), Bi(III), Zr(IV) und Th(IV) läßt sich durch Flüssig-flüssig-Extraktion mit 4-Methyl-3-penten-2-on] (Mesityloxid, MeO) aus 0,1M Natriumsalicylat bei pH 6,0 durchführen. Die extrahierte Verbindung ist UO₂(HO·C₆H₄COO)2·2MeO. Ein Verfahren zur Abtrennung von 50g Uran von Milligrammengen der anderen Metalle wurde beschrieben.

     

Mathematical modeling of solvent extraction of uranium from sulphate media employing 2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid-mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (PC88A) and its mixture with trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) as extractants

The extraction of U(VI) from sulphate medium with 2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid-mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (PC88A, H₂A₂ in dimeric form) in n-dodecane has been investigated under varying concentrations of sulphuric acid and uranium. Slope analysis of uranium (VI) distribution data as a function of PC88A concentration suggests the formation of monomeric species, viz. UO₂(HA₂)₂. This observation was further supported by the mathematical expression obtained during non-linear least square regression analysis of U(VI) distribution data correlating the percentage extraction (%E) and the acidity (H _i). A mathematical model correlating the experimental distribution ratio values of U(VI) (D _U) with initial acidity (H _i) and initial uranium concentrations (C _i) was developed: D_\textU = 12.98( ±0.90)/{ C_\texti ^{- 0.75( ±0.05)} ×[ H_\texti ]² } D_{\text{U}} = 12.98( \pm 0.90)/\left\{ {C_{\text{i}}^{ - 0.75( \pm 0.05)} \times \left[ {H_{\text{i}} } \right]^{2} } \right\} . This expression can be used to predict the concentration of uranium in organic as well as in aqueous phase at any C _i and H _i. The extraction data were used to calculate the conditional extraction constant (K _ex) values at different acidities (2–7 M H⁺), uranium (0.02–0.1 M) and PC88A (0.2–0.6 M) concentrations. These studies were also extended for the extraction of U(VI) using synergistic mixtures of PC88A and TOPO from sulphate medium.     

Extraction of U(VI) by cyanex-272

Extraction of U(VI) from HNO₃, HCl and HClO₄ media using cyanex-272 (bis[2,4,4 trimethyl pentyl] phosphinic acid)/n-dodecane has been carried out. In the case of HNO₃ and HClO₄ media, the distribution ratio (D) value first decreases and then increases, whereas from HCl medium it first decreases and then remains constant with increase in H⁺ ion concentration. At lower acidities, U(VI) was extracted as UO₂(HA₂)₂ by an ion exchange mechanism, whereas at higher acidities as UO₂(NO₃)₂ ^.2(H₂A₂) following a solvation mechanism. The D for U(VI) by cyanex-272, PC-88A and DEHPA at low acidities follows the order cyanex-272 > PC-88A > DEHPA. Also, cyanex-272 was found to extract U(VI) more efficiently than TBP at 2M HNO₃. The effect of diluents on the extraction of U(VI) by cyanex-272 followed the order cyclohexane > n-dodecane > CCl₄ > benzene. The loading of U(VI) into cyanex-272/n-dodecane from 2M HNO₃ has shown that at saturation point, cyanex-272 was 78% loaded. No third phase was observed at the saturation level. The stripping of U(VI) from the loaded organic phase was not possible with water, it was poor with acetic acid and sodium acetate but quantitative with oxalic acid, ammonium carbonate and sodium carbonate.     

Encapsulating nanosilica into polyacrylic acid and chitosan interpenetrating network hydrogel for preconcentration of uranium from aqueous solutions

Polyacrylic acid, Chitosan and nanosilica particles composite (PCNS) was prepared for enrichment of U (VI) from aqueous solutions. Adsorption tests controlled by different parameters including contact time, pH, initial concentration of UO₂²⁺ and coexistence ions were examined. FTIR, SEM and EDX studies proved the formation of composite and confirmed efficient adsorption of UO₂²⁺ by PCNS. The experimental datas fit the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, the R_L (0.115–0.645) indicates the adsorption of UO₂²⁺ onto PCNS are favorable. The value of q_m (451.118 mg g^?1) and adsorption–desorption experiments showed PCNS hydrogel can be reckoned as a high efficienct and sustainable material for removal of U (VI).     

Extraction of U(VI), Zr(IV) and Th(IV) from perchlorate media, by PC-88A

Extraction of U(VI), Zr(IV) and Th(IV) has been investigated from perchlorate media using 2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (PC-88A) dissolved in toluene. The extraction of U(VI), Zr(IV) and Th(IV) was found to be quantitative in the pH range 1.6 to 3.2, 2.0 to 4.7 and 2.3 to 3.8, respectively, with 3.0^.10^-3, 5.6^.10^-4 and 1.0^.10^-2M PC-88A dissolved in toluene. U(VI) was stripped with 4.0M HCl, Zr(IV) with 2.5M NaF and Th(IV) with 8.0M HCl from the metal loaded organic phase containing PC-88A dissolved in toluene. The probable extracted species have been ascertained by plotting log D vs. log [HR] as UO₂R₂ ^.2HR, ZrR₄ ^.2HR and ThR₄ ^.4HR, respectively. U(VI) was separated from Zr(IV) and Th(IV) and from other associated metals. This method was proved by the determination of U(VI) in some real samples.