Studies on the adsorption of plutonium (IV) on alumina from phosphoric acid-nitric acid solution

Results of experiments on the adsorption of plutonium (IV) on alumina and their application to the recovery of plutonium from analytical waste solutions containing phosphoric-nitric acid are reported. Distribution ratios of plutonium (IV) between alumina and solutions containing varying concentrations of phosphoric acid and nitric acid are determined. The influence of various ions like UO₂ ²⁺, Fe³⁺, MoO₄ ^2–, VO²⁺ and SO₄ ^2– on the distribution ratio is evaluated. Saturation values of adsorption of plutonium (IV) on alumina and optimum conditions for loading and elution of plutonium on a column packed with alumina are described.     

Structural periodicity in plutonium(IV) sulfates

The chemistry of tetravalent Pu with sulfate is explored in a series of single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of the alkali metal plutonium sulfate compounds. Five new structures of Pu(IV) sulfates are presented including the structure for the α-phase of Pu(SO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(4), Na(10)Pu(2)(SO(4))(9)(H(2)O)(4), K(8)Pu(2)(SO(4))(8)(H(2)O)(5), Rb(8)Pu(2)(SO(4))(8)(H(2)O)(4), and Cs(4)Pu(SO(4))(4)(H(2)O)(2). Changes in structure and stoichiometry are seen down the alkali-metal series despite identical reaction conditions for each of the complexes. Comparison to the other known An(IV) sulfates, Group IV sulfates, and Ce(IV) reveals limited similarity in stoichiometry and structure across the actinide series and their homologues. Marked color changes are observed down the series indicating strong interactions between the plutonium ions and the ligands in these complexes.     

Studies on the extraction behaviour of plutonium(IV) from mixed aqueous-organic media with sulphoxides

Extraction behaviour of plutonium (IV) from nitric acid media by two long-chain aliphatic sulphoxides, namely, di-n-hexylsulphoxide and di-n-octylsulphoxide has been investigated in the presence of several water-miscible organic solvents to study their possible synergistic effect on metal ion extraction. Methanol, ethanol, n-and iso-propanol, dioxane, acetone as well as as acetonitrile were used as the organic component of the mixed (polar) phase. These additives affected the extraction to varying degrees. Thus, extractability of Pu increases 2–3 fold with increasing concentration (upto 20%) of acetonitrile, acetone, methanol and ethanol while it decreases with increasing concentration of n-and isopropanol. At high concentration of the former, synergism changes into antagonism. Possible reasons for such behaviour are briefly discussed. Among these organic additives, maximum enhancement in the extraction of Pu(IV) was observed in the presence of acetonitrile. The relative increase in extraction was found to be more at lower sulphoxide concentrations.     

Oxidative breakdown of polymeric plutonium(IV) hydroxide by cerium(IV)

The breakdown of polymeric plutonium(IV) hydroxide (plutonium colloid) by cerium(IV) has been studied spectrophotometrically by monitoring the formation of plutonium(VI). Reaction rate variations were studied with changes in cerium(IV), acid and plutonium colloid concentrations. A reaction mechanism involving the formation of [Ce₂O(OH)₂]⁴⁺ and its reaction with the polymer surface to produce two plutonium(V) ions is postulated to explain the observed kinetic data, in particular the maximum in the reaction rate at around 0.3 M nitric acid.     

Controlled-potential coulometric studies on fluoride complexing of plutonium(IV)

Fluoride complexing of Pu(IV) has been studied by controlled-pontential coulometry at an ionic strength of 1.0. The values of β₁ and β₂ have been found to be 4.6·10⁴ and 2.1·10⁷, respectively.     

Work of plutonium(IV) disproportionation: Alternative perspectives

Summary The work of disproportionation of tetravalent plutonium can be estimated in two ways. In the first way, the Pu⁴⁺cation generates three other oxidation states and PuOH³⁺. In the second way, the sum of Pu⁴⁺and PuOH³⁺generates three other oxidation states and fraction of PuOH³⁺changes. The methods yield different estimates of the work of Pu⁴⁺disproportionation.     

Studies on oxopentafluorovanadates(IV)

A large number of new salts of the ion [VOF₅]^3? have been obtained by cyrstallising a solution of vanadyl sulphate containing the respective cations as their fluorides. The cations are Rb⁺, [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺, [Co(en)₃]³⁺ and protonated bases, viz., guanidine, 1,2-diamino benzene, ethylene diamine and hydrazine. The molecular conductances of the rubidium salt indicate the presence of uni-trivalent electrolyte. The magnetic moments of the salts are almost equal to the spin-only value. The i.r. spectra of the salts give strong absorption bands between 910 to 965 cm^-1 showing the presence of terminal V=O group. The [VOF₅]^3? ion breaks up completely on passing a salt solution through a column of cation exchange resin.     

Stability of plutonium(IV) and plutonium(VI) in nitric acid solutions under strong α-irradiation

Plutonium(IV) oxidation has been studied in 1 to 20 mol/1 HNO₃ under 1 to 14 W/1 internal alpha-irradiation and at plutonium concentrations from 2 to 100 mmol/1. Curium isotopes have been used as the basic alpha-irradiation sources. It has been established that in the systems investigated both oxidation of plutonium(IV) and reduction of plutonium(VI) take place, resulting with time in reaching the equilibrium between plutonium(IV) and plutonium(VI). The presence of plutonium(IV) enhances the reduction of plutonium(VI). The rate constants for plutonium(IV) oxidation and plutonium(VI) reduction have been estimated and their dependences upon the concentrations of nitric acid, plutonium(IV) and plutonium(VI) as well as upon the dose rate investigated. An equation has been derived which permits to calculate the concentrations of plutonium(IV) and plutonium(VI) at any desired time.     

Extractive separation and photometric determination of neptunium(IV) and plutonium(IV) from their mixtures

A rapid and sensitive method for the photometric determination of trace amounts of neptunium and plutonium from their mixtures is described. Np(IV) is selectively extracted from about 1 M HNO₃ medium with TTA in xylene retaining Pu in the nonextractable trivalent state in the aq. phase with ferrous sulfamate. Plutonium in the aqueous phase is subsequently oxidized with NaNO₂ to the highly extractable tetravalent state and extracted with TTA. Np(IV) as well as Pu(IV) thus extracted are finally estimated in the organic phase itself spectrophotometrically employing xylenol orange as the chromogenic reagent. Their molar absorptivities are in the 5 × 10⁴ range. Beer's law is valid up to 2.4 ppm Np and 3.5 ppm Pu. The color of the solutions is stable for at least 48 hr. The method tolerates large excess of several common contaminants encountered during spent fuel reprocessing. Cerium(IV) and phosphoric acid, however, interfere with the final estimation.     

Complexation of plutonium(IV) with sulfate at variable temperatures

The complexation of plutonium(IV) with sulfate at variable temperatures has been investigated by solvent extraction method. A NaBrO₃ solution was used as holding oxidant to maintain the plutonium(IV) oxidation state throughout the experiments. The distribution ratio of Pu(IV) between the organic and aqueous phases was found to decrease as the concentrations of sulfate were increased. Stability constants of the 1:1 and 1:2 Pu(IV)-HSO₄ ⁻ complexes, dominant in the aqueous phase, were calculated from the effect of [HSO₄ ⁻] on the distribution ratio. The enthalpy and entropy of complexation were calculated from the stability constants at different temperatures using the Van’t Hoff equation.     

Ion exchange behavior of plutonium(IV) on imidazolium nitrate immobilized resin

Imidazolium nitrate anchored on poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) co-polymer, Im-NO₃, has been synthesized and evaluated for plutonium purification. The results are compared with those obtained using Dowex 1 × 4 anion exchange resin. The distribution coefficient (K_d) of Pu(IV) increased with increase in concentration of nitric acid, reached a maximum at 8 M, followed by decrease in K_d values. Rapid ion exchange of Pu(IV) followed by the establishment of equilibrium occurred within 100 min of equilibration and the data was fitted in to first order rate equation. Variation of distribution coefficient of Pu(IV) as a function of exchange capacity and nitrate ion concentration suggest the involvement of anion exchange mechanism is responsible for extraction. The apparent ion exchange capacity was 310 mg/g at 8 M nitric acid. The performance of the Im-NO₃ under dynamic condition was assessed by column breakthrough experiments. Radiolytic degradation of Im-NO₃ resin in presence and absence of nitric acid (8 M) was studied and the results are reported in this paper.     

Extraction of uranium(VI) and plutonium(IV) with some aliphatic amides

Extraction of uranium(VI) and plutonium(IV) has been studied with N,N-dibutyl derivatives of hexanamide (DBHA), octanamide (DBOA) and decanamide (DBDA) at various fixed temperatures of 20, 30, 40 and (50±0.1)°C. The equilibrium constants for the uptake of nitric acid (K_h, a measure of their relative basicities) by these amides were evaluated by the usual method. The equilibrium constants for the extraction of uranium as well as plutonium with all the three amides follow their order of basicity (K_h) viz. DBHA (0.09)<DBOA (0.10)<DBDA (0.13) with log K values of 1.31, 1.43 and 1.73 for uranium and 3.55, 3.65 and 4.17 for plutonium, respectively. It has been observed that whereas uranium(VI) is extracted as a disolvate (similar to TBP and sulfoxides), plutonium(IV) has been found to be extracted as a trisolvate. The thermodynamic parameters evaluated by the usual temperature coefficient method indicate that the extraction reactions of uranium as well as plutonium are stabilized by negative enthalpy change only.     

On the particle size distribution of hydrolyzed plutonium(IV) polymer

Relative particle size distribution of plutonium polymer colloid and its aging effective were determined by using an ultracentrifuge. The distribution is not uniform. In the early stage of polymerization, very fine polymer particles of plutonium are formed. The fraction of the larger particles increases with aging.     

Dosage spectrophotometrique du plutonium apres oxydation par le rium(IV)

(Spectrophotometric determination of plutonium after oxidation with cerium (IV)). Plutonium is frequently determined by measuring the absorption peak of Pu(VI) at 831 nm. To facilitate automation, replacement of the usual silver(II) oxide by cerium(IV) is suggested. Oxidation is complete in less than 15 min at room temperature in 4 M nitric acid medium. Polymerized plutonium is quantitatively oxidized in 3.5 h.     

Structural Studies on Dimethyltin(IV) Carboxylates

In order to correlate ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer parameters and structural data for dimethyltin(IV) derivatives, the molecular structures of bis(acetato)dimethyltin(IV) and bis(trifluoroacetato)dimethyltin(IV) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffration. Crystals of Me₂Sn(OOCCH₃)₂ are monoclinic, a = 26.282(4), b = 5.282(1), c = 14.434(3) Å, β = 101.17(2)°, Z = 8, space group C2/c, and those of [Me₂Sn(OOCCF₃)₂]_n are monoclinic, a = 8.444(1), b = 17.689(1), c = 15.368(1) Å, β = 93.013(9)°, Z = 8, space group Cc. The structures were solved by the Patterson method and were refined by full-matrix least-squares procedures to R = 0.025 and 0.027 (R_w = 0.023 and 0.030) for 2 298 and 4 182 reflections with I ≥ 3σ(F²), respectively.     

Aqueous complexation of thorium(IV), uranium(IV), neptunium(IV), plutonium(III/IV), and cerium(III/IV) with DTPA

Aqueous complexation of Th(IV), U(IV), Np(IV), Pu(III/IV), and Ce(III/IV) with DTPA was studied by potentiometry, absorption spectrophotometry, and cyclic voltammetry at 1 M ionic strength and 25 °C. The stability constants for the 1:1 complex of each trivalent and tetravalent metal were calculated. From the potentiometric data, we report stability constant values for Ce(III)DTPA, Ce(III)HDTPA, and Th(IV)DTPA of log β(101) = 20.01 ± 0.02, log β(111) = 22.0 ± 0.2, and log β(101) = 29.6 ± 1, respectively. From the absorption spectrophotometry data, we report stability constant values for U(IV)DTPA, Np(IV)DTPA, and Pu(IV)DTPA of log β(101) = 31.8 ± 0.1, 32.3 ± 0.1, and 33.67 ± 0.02, respectively. From the cyclic voltammetry data, we report stability constant values for Ce(IV) and Pu(III) of log β(101) = 34.04 ± 0.04 and 20.58 ± 0.04, respectively. The values obtained in this work are compared and discussed with respect to the ionic radius of each cationic metal.     

Theoretical study of the structural properties of plutonium(IV) and (VI) complexes

The structural properties of several plutonium(IV) and (VI) complexes have been examined in the gaseous and aqueous phases using Kohn-Sham density functional theory calculations with scalar relativistic effective core potentials and the polarizable continuum solvation model. The aquo and nitrate complexes of PuO(2)(2+) and Pu(4+) were considered in addition to the aquo-chloro complexes of PuO(2)(2+). The nitrate and chloro- complexes formed with triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) and tributylphosphate (TBP) respectively were also studied. The structural parameters of the plutonyl complexes were compared to their uranyl and neptunyl analogues. The bond lengths and vibrational frequencies of the plutonyl complexes can generally be computed with sufficient accuracy with the pure PBE density functional with shorter bond lengths being predicted by the B3LYP functional. The structural parameters of the [PuO(2)Cl(2)L(2)] systems formed with TPPO and TBP as well as the aqueous [PuO(2)Cl(2)(H(2)O)(3)] complex are matched to previous experimental results. Overall, the inclusion of ligands in the equatorial region results in significant changes in the stretching frequency of the plutonyl group. The structural features of the plutonyl (VI) systems are rather similar to those of their 5f(0) uranyl and 5f(1) neptunyl counterparts. For the Pu(IV) aquo and nitrate complexes, the average of the calculated Pu-OH(2) and Pu-O(nitrate) bond lengths are generally within 0.04 ? of the reported experimental values. Overall Kohn-Sham DFT can be used successfully in predicting the structures of this diverse set of Pu(VI) and Pu(IV) complexes.     

Selective uptake of plutonium (IV) on calcium alginate gel polymer and TBP microcapsule

The uptake behavior of Pu(IV) has been investigated by using calcium alginate gel polymer (CaALG) and TBP microcapsules (TBP-CaALG). The characterization of CaALG and TBP-CaALG was examined by SEM and IR, and the uptake properties and distribution of Pu(IV) ions were estimated by batch method. The uptake rate of Pu(IV) on CaALG and TBP-CaALG in the presence of 5 M HNO₃ was attained within 6 and 4 h, respectively, and K _d values for CaALG and TBP-CaALG after 7 h-shaking were 50.2 and 53.2 cm³/g, respectively. Relatively large K _d values (90.3–425 cm³/g) were obtained for fresh CaALG and TBP-CaALG in the presence of 0.5–2 M HNO₃. Thus CaALG and TBP-CaALG are effective for the separation of Pu(IV) in the presence of highly concentrated HNO₃.