Separation of Am(III) from nitric acid medium by phosphonium ionic liquid–hydroxyacetamide mixture

A strongly hydrophobic phosphonium ionic liquid, trihexyltet radecylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([P₆₆₆₁₄][NTf₂]) was employed as the diluent for the extraction behavior of Am(III) using N,N-dihexyl-2-hydroxyacetamide(DHHy) as extractant. The extractibility of americium(III) in [P₆₆₆₁₄][NTf₂] phase was measured as a function of various parameters such as aqueous phase acidity (0.1–8 M), extractant concentration (0.01–0.15 M), equilibration time (5–120 min) and temperature (298–333 K). The extraction performance observed in DHHy/[P₆₆₆₁₄][NTf₂] was compared with those observed in N,N-dihexyloctamide (DHOA) in [P₆₆₆₁₄][NTf₂] and DHHy in other diluents such as [C₄mim][NTf₂] and n-dodecane. The effect of temperature on D _Am(III) in ionic liquid system and recovery of Am(III) from the loaded phase were ascertained in detail.     

Preparation of durable superhydrophobic surface by sol–gel method with water glass and citric acid

Durable superhydrophobic surface on cotton fabrics has been successfully prepared by sol–gel method. Cellulose fabric was first coated with silica sol prepared with water glass and citric acid as the acidic catalyst. The silica coated fabric was then padded with hydrolyzed hexadecyltrimethoxysilane afterwards obtaining low surface energy. Water contact angle and hydrostatic pressure were used to characterize superhydrophobicity and washing durability. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the surface morphology changes after certain washing times. All results showed good durable hydrophobicity on cellulose fabrics. In addition, the influence of citric acid and sodium hypophosphite (NaH₂PO₂) on the durability of hydrophobicity was also investigated. The durability of treated cotton improved with the increase of concentration of citric acid in the presence of NaH₂PO₂. It could be concluded that citric acid acted as multi-functional heterogeneous grafting chemicals to improve washing durability of hydrophobicity by forming the ester bonds between cotton fabric and silica sol and improved the durability of hydrophobicity.     

Synthesis of terbium doped calcium phosphate nanocrystalline powders by citric acid sol–gel combustion method

Terbium doped calcium phosphate (Tb-doped CaP) nanocrystalline powders were synthesized by the citric acid sol–gel combustion method. The phase composition, morphology and luminescent property of Tb-doped CaP nanocrystalline powders were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectrophotometer and fluorescence microscopy. At 700 °C, Tb-doped CaP nanocrystalline powders are composed of HAP (main phase) and β-TCP (minor phase) with Tb doping content of 0.5–4%. SEM and TEM observations show that the 4% Tb-doped CaP nanocrystalline powders are about 50–150 nm spherical particles. The 4% Tb-doped CaP nanocrystalline powders exhibit the strongest emission at 548 nm (λ_excitation = 240 nm) and show strong green fluorescence under fluorescence microscopy.     

Nitrogen doping into titanium dioxide by the sol–gel method using nitric acid

N-doped TiO₂ has been prepared by use of sol–gel systems containing titanium alkoxide, with nitric acid as the nitrogen source. The time needed for gelation of the systems was drastically reduced by ultrasonic irradiation. The peaks assigned to the nitrate and nitrous ions were observed by FT-IR measurement during the sol–gel reaction. The N-doping was confirmed by the observation of N–O peaks in the XPS spectrum of the sample heated at 400 °C. The nitrate ion acted as an oxidizer of the ethanol solvent and titanium species. The TiO₂ became doped with nitrogen oxide species as a result of reduction of nitrate ion incorporated into the dried gel samples. These results indicated that the added nitric acid was reduced during the sol–gel transition and heating process, and the resulting NO species were situated in the titania networks. The UV and visible photocatalytic activity of the samples was confirmed by the degradation of trichloroethylene.     

Extraction and separation performance of rhenium(VII) and uranium(VI) from nitric acid medium using N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-dioctyldiglycolamide

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - The extraction behavior and separation performance of Re(VII) and U(VI) from the nitric acid medium were studied respectively, in which an...     

Separation of no-carrier-added 99mTcO4 − from 99Mo–99mTc equilibrium mixture by PEG based aqueous biphasic separation technique using sodium/potassium salts of citric and tartaric acid

Extraction and separation of no-carrier-added (nca) ^99mTcO₄ ^? from ⁹⁹Mo–^99mTc equilibrium mixture was carried out by environmentally benign polyethylene glycol based liquid–liquid aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) consisting various inorganic salts. Among the various inorganic salt trisodium citrate and potassium sodium tartrate showed the suitable salt rich phase for the best separation in this report. The concentration variation of salt rich phase, temperature and PEG phase also exhaustively studied in paper for the achievement of high separation factor. At 40 °C temperature in 50 % (w/v) PEG-4000-2M Na₃citrate showed the highest separation factor (S _Tc/Mo) 1.2 × 10⁷.     

Inorganic–organic hybrid films from 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and orthophosphoric acid for medium temperature fuel cells

Proton conductive inorganic–organic hybrid films were prepared from 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, tetramethoxysilane and orthophosphoric acid by the sol–gel method, and the polarization performances were measured at 130 °C for test cells using the hybrid film and the composite electrode with precursor sol of the hybrid film and Pt-loaded carbon sheet. For a cell with the hybrid film (P/Si=1.5) as an electrolyte under H₂ and air at 130 °C, 17% relative humidity, the open circuit voltage of the cell was about 0.88 V and a power of about 50 mW cm⁻² was obtained with current density of 150 mA cm⁻².     

A novel Np–Pu separation procedure based on extraction with di-(chlorophenyl)-dithiophosphinic acid in nitric solution

The extraction behavior of Pu(III), Pu(IV), Np(IV) and Np(V) with di(chlorophenyl)-dithiophosphinic acid (DCPDTPA) in toluene from nitric acid solutions was studied systematically. In aqueous solution with high nitric acid concentration, the extraction capability (represented by distribution ratio D) for Pu and Np in different valences with DCPDTPA comes as D _Np(IV) > D _Pu(IV) > D _Np(V) > D _Pu(III). A new radiochemical procedure for Np/Pu separation based on DCPDTPA extraction was proposed and tested with simulated samples. The recoveries of Np and Pu are as high as 80 % after the whole separation procedure, with the decontamination factor of trivalent lanthanide fission product element (e.g. Eu) greater than 1.5 × 10⁴. The decontamination factor of Pu–Np is 2.0 × 10³, while the decontamination factor of Np–Pu is greater than 4.8 × 10³ after additional purification.     

Selective extraction of uranium from uranium–beryllium ore by acid leaching

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - Both uranium and beryllium are very important strategic metals and have been applied to many fields, such as nuclear industries, atomic energy,...     

Co-precipitation of plutonium(IV) and americium(III) from nitric acid–oxalic acid solutions with bismuth oxalate

This study presents analytical methods for the determination of gross beta, ⁹⁰Sr, ²²⁶Ra and Pu isotopes using samples in the IAEA-TEL-2015-04 ALMERA Proficiency Test exercise. Samples for gross beta were prepared by evaporation and then analyzed using a gas proportional counter. ⁹⁰Sr in the liquid sample was concentrated as SrCO₃ precipitates and purified by Sr resin. Pu isotopes and ⁹⁰Sr in the soil sample were extracted from the sample by mineral acid leaching and separated using TEVA and Sr resin, respectively. Pu isotopes were determined by alpha spectrometry and ⁹⁰Sr were determined with a liquid scintillation counter. Radium in the soil sample was extracted by LiBO₂ fusion, and the radon-emanation method using LSC was applied for the determination of ²²⁶Ra.     

Extraction of U(VI), Th(IV) and some fission products from nitric acid medium by sulfoxides and effect of γ-irradiation on the extraction

The extracting abilities for thorium, uranium and some fission products by five sulfoxides are given. The results show that di(2-ethylhexyl) sulfoxide (DEHSO) is not only completely miscible with kerosene, but also superior to tri-n-butyl phosphate in some properties. The extraction behavior of uranium, thorium and some fission products such as zirconium, niobium and ruthenium from aqueous nitric acid with DEHSO in kerosene has been studied over a wide range of conditions. DEHSO extracted uranium and fission products better than TBP under all conditions and is similar to TBP in extraction of thorium. A study of extraction mechanism indicates that U and Th are extracted as disolvates, whereas HNO₃ is extracted as monosolvate. Extraction of the two actinides decreases with increasing temperature, indicating the extraction to be exothermic. Preliminary studies show that -ray irradiated DEHSO extracts Zr and Nb to a smaller extent than irradiated TBP in the range of 10⁴–10⁷ rad.     

Solvent extraction of uranyl by N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctylsuccinylamide from nitric acid solution

Synthesis and characterization of N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctylsuccinylamide (TOSA) was carried out and used for extraction of U(VI) from nitric acid solutions. The effect of different factors affecting the extraction distribution ratio (TOSA concentration, concentrations of nitric acid, salting-out agent LiNO₃ concentration, equilibration time, temperature and effect of diluents) have been investigated. The results obtained indicated that TOSA have a great capability to extract uranyl with kerosene-1,3,5-trimethylbenzene than other diluents, it have a high extraction distribution ratios when the concentration of TOSA is lower and not found the third matter. It was found that the main extracted species is UO₂(NO₃)₂·TOSA. The apparent equilibrium constant of extraction determined is (2.32 ± 0.31) L³/mol³ at (298 ± 1) K. The enthalpy of extraction is ?35.20 ± 0.352 kJ/mol.     

Remarkable electrochemical performance of 0.5Li2MnO3·0.5LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 synthesized by means of a citric acid–aided route

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - Lithium-manganese-rich–lithiated nickel-manganese-cobalt oxides are advantageous for using in lithium-ion batteries due to low toxicity and high...     

Sol–gel synthesis of macroporous TiO2 from ionic precursors via phase separation route

Monolithic macroporous titanium dioxide (TiO₂) derived from ionic precursors has been successfully prepared via the sol–gel route accompanied by phase separation in the presence of formamide (FA) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). The addition of FA promotes the gelation, whereas PVP enhances the polymerization-induced phase separation. Appropriate choice of the starting compositions allows the production of cocontinuous macroporous TiO₂ monoliths in large dimensions, and controls the size of macropores. The resultant dried gel is amorphous, whereas anatase and rutile phases are precipitated at 500 and 900 °C respectively, without spoiling the macroporous morphology. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements revealed that the dried gels exhibits mesostructure with a median pore size of about 3 nm and BET surface area of 228 m²/g, whereas 15 nm and 73 m²/g for the gels calcined at 600 °C.     

Preparation of a Lanthanide–Titanium Oxo Cluster–Polymer Composite by CuI-Catalyzed Click Chemistry

Incorporating metal clusters within the skeleton of the organic polymers through a click reaction cannot only effectively prepare cluster–polymer composites, but also effectively avoid the cluster aggregation. Herein, an azide-containing lanthanide–titanium oxo cluster of Eu₈Ti₁₀-N₃ ( Eu₈Ti₁₀-N₃ =[Eu₈Ti₁₀(μ₃-O)₁₄(H₂O)₄(OAc)₂(tbba)₃₀(paza)₄(THF)₂] ⋅ 4 THF ⋅ 8 H₂O ( 1 ), Htbba=4-tert-butylbenzoic acid, Hpaza=4-azidobenzoate, HOAc=acetic acid, THF=tetrahydrofuran) through an in situ solvothermal reaction of 4-azidobenzoic acid and 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid. Reaction of 1 with PEG ( PEG =methoxypoly(ethyleneglycol)alkyne, 2000 g mol⁻¹) through Cu^I-catalyzed click chemistry generates a lanthanide–polymer composite of Eu₈Ti₁₀-N₃@PEG ( 2 ). Investigation with IR, ¹H NMR and ICP-OES of 2 indicates that the structural integrity of 1 is maintained in 2 . Study of the luminescent properties of 1 and 2 reveals that the quantum yield of 1 itself basically remains unchanged in 2 . Significantly, the formation of 2 cannot only effectively prevent the cluster 1 from aggregation, but also greatly enhance its solubility and adhesion to the substrate. Owing to the solubility and adhesion of luminescent materials being the key to their practical application, present work is thus of great significance for the development of metal cluster–polymer composite luminescent materials.     

Extraction of technetium(VII) from uranium(VI) in nitric acid system by primary amine — n-heptane solution

Separation of technetium(VII) from uranium(VI) has been studied through experiments on the coprecipitation of technetium(VII) with precipitation of ammonium diuranate, and on the extraction of technetium(VII) from a 3M aqueous nitric acid solution using, as extractant, a primary amine (Primene JMT) dissolved in either chloroform or n-heptane solution. Ammonium diuranate precipitation proved to provide the most satisfactory means of separating technetium(VII) from uranium(VI) in solution. Extraction of technetium(VII) contained in nitric acid solution using Primene JMT dissolved in n-heptane solution proved to be quantitative after several cycles of the procedure and alternatively, upon raising to 51 the volume ratio between the organic phase containing the extractant and the aqueous phase containing technetium(VII). Stripping of technetium(VII) into 2M aqueous ammonium carbonate solution was enhanced to quantitative level by repetition of the stripping procedure, and alternatively, by adding the ammonium carbonate in a volume ratio of 51 with respect to the organic phase containing technetium(VII).     

Immobilized glycerol-based liquid membranes in hollow fibers for selective CO2 separation from CO2–N2 mixtures

Glycerol-based liquid membranes immobilized in the pores of hydrophilic microporous hollow fibers have been studied for selective separation of CO₂ from a mixed gas (CO₂, N₂) feed having low concentrations of CO₂ characteristic of gases encountered in space walk and space cabin atmosphere. The immobilized liquid membranes (ILMs) investigated consist of sodium carbonate–glycerol or glycine-Na–glycerol solution. Based on the performances of such liquid membranes in flat hydrophilic porous substrates [Chen et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 38 (1999) 3489; Chen et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 39 (2000) 2447], hollow fiber-based ILMs were studied at selected CO₂ partial pressure differentials (Δp_CO2 range 0.36–0.50 cmHg), relative humidities (RH range 45–100%), as well as carrier concentrations. The sodium carbonate concentration was primarily 1.0 mol/dm³; the glycine-Na concentration was 3.0 mol/dm³. The sweep gas was always dry helium and it flowed on the shell side. Very high CO₂/N₂ selectivities were observed with porous polysulfone microfiltration membranes as substrate. As in the case of flat film-based ILMs (see references above), feed side RH is an important factor determining the ILM performances. Generally, lower permeances and greater CO₂/N₂ selectivity values were observed at lower feed stream RHs. When the feed side average RH=60%, p_CO2,f=0.005 atm and glycine-Na concentration was 3.0 M, the CO₂/N₂ separation factor observed was over 5000. Prolonged runs lasting for 300 h showed that the hollow fiber-based ILM permeation performances were stable.     

Effect of tri-n-butyl phosphate on physical properties of dodecane–nitric acid system

Extraction power of solvent depends upon the physical properties of the system. Tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) in dodecane is a versatile solvent used in the nuclear fuel reprocessing like PUREX process. The study of physical properties like density, viscosity, interfacial tension and solubility for TBP–nitric acid–dodecane system will be helpful in carrying out different extraction studies during PUREX process. Thus, physical properties like density, viscosity, interfacial tension and solubility have been measured for TBP–nitric acid–dodecane system using pycnometer, viscometer, pendant drop method and high performance liquid chromatography respectively. It has been observed that density and viscosity increases but interfacial tension and solubility decreases with the concentration of TBP in dodecane–nitric acid system. Physical properties of 30 % TBP–nitric acid–dodecane system have also been studied in detail. All these studies will also be useful in stripping out dissolved TBP from the nuclear waste.     

Ultrafiltration modes of operation for the separation of α-lactalbumin from acid casein whey

Whey is a complex protein mixture which contains two major proteins (β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin), the size of which are close to each other. The separation of α-lactalbumin by membrane processes can be made more performing by the appropriate selection of the operation mode. The equations of the models for continuous, discontinuous concentration or diafiltration (single or combined) are developed. They show that performances (purity, yield) depend on initial purity (initial feed), on transmission (membrane and operating conditions) and on the operation mode. Simulations and experimental concentration and diafiltration operation modes are in good accordance. They show that continuous concentration up to a high volume reduction ratio (11–15) or a combined continuous concentration–diafiltration helps to obtain a fraction with both an enhanced purity and a satisfactory yield of α-lactalbumin in the permeate.