Extraction of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) from nitric acid solution by N-alkylcaprolactam

Extraction of uranium(VI), thorium(IV) from nitric acid has been studied with N-octylcaprolactam and N-(2-ethyl)hexylcaprolactam. Distribution coefficients of U(VI), Th(IV) and HNO₃ as a function of aqueous NHO₃ concentration, extractant concentration and temperature have been studied. The compositions of extracted species, thermodynamic parameters of extraction have been evaluated. Third phase formation in extraction of U(VI) has been studied. Back extraction behavior of U(VI) and Th(IV) from the organic phase has also been tested. The results obtained are compared with those obtained by using TBP under the same experimental conditions.     

New extractants for reprocessing of spent Th-U fuel

A study on solvent extraction of U(VI), Th(IV) and HNO₃ from nitric acid media by DEHSO is described. Extraction coefficients of U(VI), Th(IV) and HNO₃ as a function of aqueous HNO₃ concentration, extractant concentration and temperature have been studied. From the data the compositions of extracted species, equilibrium constants and enthalpies of extraction reaction have been evaluated. Back-extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from the organic phase by dilute nitric acid has also been tested. All studies on DEHSO are compared with TBP.     

Extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from nitric acid medium using tri(butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) in <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-paraffin

Extraction behavior of U(VI) and Th(IV) from nitric acid medium is investigated using organo-phosphorous extractant, tri(butoxyethyl) phosphate in n-paraffin at room temperature (27 ± 1 °C). The effect of diluents, nitric acid concentration as well as extractant concentration on extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) are evaluated. Extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from nitric acid medium proceeds via solvation mechanism. Slope analysis technique showed the formation of neutral complexes of the type of UO₂(NO₃)₂·2TBEP and Th(NO₃)₄·3TBEP with U(VI) and Th(IV) respectively in the organic phase. The FTIR data showed shifting of P=O stretching frequency from 1,282 to 1,217 cm⁻¹ indicating the strong complexation of P=O group with UO₂ ²⁺ ions in the organic phase. Effect of stripping agents, other metal ions and their separation with respect to U(VI) extraction has also been investigated.     

Study on the synergic extraction of uranium(VI) with petroleum sulfoxides (PSO) and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) mixture

The synergic extraction of uranium(VI) from nitric acid solution with petroleum sulfoxides (PSO) and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) mixture has been studied. It has been found that maximum synergic extraction effect occurs if the molar ratio of PSO to TBP is two to three. The composition of the complex of synergic extraction is UO₂(NO₃)₂·TBP·PSO. The formation constant of the complex isK _PT=8.19. The effect of extractant concentration, nitric acid concentration, salting-out agent concentration and temperature on the extraction equilibrium of uranium(VI) was also studied.     

Extraction of uranium(VI) with bis(octylsulfinyl)methane

The liquid-liquid extraction of uranium(VI) from aqueous nitric acid with bis(octylsulfinyl)methane (BOSM) has been studied over a wide range of conditions. The extracted species appear to be UO₂(NO₃)₂·2BOSM. It was found that the extraction increased with increasing nitric acid concentration up to 8.5 mol/l and then descreased. Extraction also increased with increasing extractant concentration. The influence of temperature and salting-out agent concentration on the extraction equilibrium has also been investigated, and the enthalpy of the extraction reaction was estimated.     

Counter-current extraction and separation of U(VI) from a mixture of U(VI)–Th(IV)–Y(III) using tris-2-ethyl hexyl phosphate (TEHP)

Evaluation of tris-2-ethyl hexyl phosphate (TEHP) for counter-current extraction and separation of U(VI) from a mixture of U(VI)–Th(IV)–Y(III) from nitric acid medium was carried out under wide experimental conditions. Batch extraction studies were carried out to investigate the effect of nitric acid concentration in feed solution, U(VI)/Th(IV) ratio and extractant concentration and the results were compared with established solvent such as tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) for separation of U(VI) from nitric acid medium. McCabe–Thiele diagrams for extraction as well as stripping of U(VI) were constructed under simulated conditions. Based on batch experiments, six stage counter-current extraction studies were conducted under various TEHP concentration and it was observed that 0.1 M TEHP/n-paraffin was most suitable for selective recovery of U(VI) from a mixture of U(VI)–Th(IV). An optimized condition, 0.1 M TEHP/n-paraffin, 2 M HNO₃ in feed and six number of stages was evaluated for selective extraction and stripping of U(VI) from a solution containing mixture of U(VI)–Th(IV)–Y(III) in nitric acid medium. The U(VI) in strip solution was precipitated using 30 % H₂O₂ at pH ~3. Average particle size of the final precipitate was found to be ~33 μm.     

Liquid-liquid extraction of uranium(VI) from nitric acid solutions with bis(octylsulfinyl)ethane (BOSE)

The liquid-liquid extraction behavior of uranium(VI) from aqueous nitric acid with bis(octylsulfinyl)ethane (BOSE) in 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane has been studied over a wide range of conditions. The extracted species appears to be UO₂(NO₃)₂·2BOSE. It was found that the extraction increases with increasing nitric acid concentration up to 7 mol/l and then decreased. Extraction also increases with increasing extractant concentration. The influence of temperature and salting-out agent concentration on the extraction equilibrium and stripping of uranium(VI) was also investigated and the enthalpy of the extraction reaction was obtained.     

The Extraction of Uranium(VI) with n-Octyldecylsulfoxides (ODSO)-Toluene

The liquid-liquid extraction of uranium(VI) from aqueous nitric acid with n-octyldecylsulfoxide (ODSO) in toluene has been studied over a wide range of conditions. The extracted species appears to be UO₂(NO₃)₂·2ODSO. The extraction increased with increasing nitric acid concentration up to 2.0 mol/l and then decreased. Extraction also increased with increasing extractant concentration. The influence of temperature, salting-out agent concentration and complex anion concentration on the extraction equilibrium were also investigated, and the enthalpy of the extraction reaction was calculated.     

Synergistic extraction of uranium(VI) with mixtures of bis(hexylsulfinyl)ethane (BHxSE) and petroleum sulfoxides (PSO)

The synergistic extraction of uranium(VI) from aqueous nitric acid solution with mixtures of bis(hexylsulfinyl)ethane (BHxSE) and petroleum sulfoxides (PSO) in 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane was studied. It has been found that the maximum synergistic extraction effect occurs when the molar ratio of PSO to BHxSE is close to 1. The composition of the complex of synergistic extraction was estimated as UO₂(NO₃)₂ ^.BHxSE^.PSO. The formation constant of the complex was equal to K_BP = 4.23±0.03. The effects of extractant, nitric acid, salting-out agent, and complex anion concentrations and temperature on the extraction equilibrium of uranium(VI) were also studied.     

Solvent extraction of neptunium(IV) from nitric acid solutions by sulphoxides and their mixtures

Studies have been performed on the liquid-liquid extraction of neptunium from nitric acid solutions by di-n-hexylsulphoxide (DHSO) di-no-octylsulphoxide (DOSO) and di-iso-amylsulphoxide (DISO) and their mixtures over a wide range of conditions. At a given strength of the extractant, extraction of Np(IV) increases initially rapidly with increase in the acid concentration; at high acidities, above 8M HNO₃, the extraction decreases. Under otherwise identical conditions, extraction increases with an increase in the extractant concentration. The species extracted would appear to be Np(NO₃)₄·2(R₂SO). A mixture of two extractants extracts more than the sum of the extractions due to the individual components at concentrations corresponding to those of the mixture. After loading the organic phase with uranium(VI), extractability of Np(IV) becomes considerably lower. The diminution in extraction with increase in temperature is small. A comparison of the extraction behaviour of Np(IV) with those of Pu(IV), U(VI) and some associated fission products has been made.     

N-dodecanoylpyrrolidine as a new extractant for uranyl(II) and nitric acid in toluene

N-dodecanoylpyrrolidine (DOPOD) was synthesized and used for the extraction of nitric acid and uranyl(VI) ions from nitric media in toluene. The effects of nitric acid concentration, extractant concentration, temperature, salting-out agent (LiNO₃) have been studied. The main adduct of DOPOD and HNO₃ is HNO₃·DOPOD. The complex formation of uranyl(VI) ion, nitrate ion and DOPOD (UO₂(NO₃)₂·2DOPOD) as extracted species are further confirmed by IR spectra and the values of thermodynamic parameters have also been calculated.     

Synergistic extraction of uranium(VI) with tri-n-butyl phosphate and i-butyldodecylsulfoxide

Summary The synergistic extraction of uranium(VI) from aqueous nitric acid solution with a mixture of tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) and i-butyldodecylsulfoxide (BDSO) in toluene was investigated. The effects of the concentrations of extractant, nitric acid, sodium nitrate and sodium oxalate on the distribution ratios of uranium(VI) have been studied. The values of enthalpy change for the extraction reactions with BDSO, TBP and a mixture of TBP and BDSO in toluene were -23.2±0.8 kJ/mol, -29.2±1.4 kJ/mol and -30.6±0.6 kJ/mol, respectively. It has been found that the maximum synergistic extraction effect occurs when the molar ratio of TBP to BDSO is close to 1. The composition of the complex of the synergistic extraction is UO₂(NO₃)₂ ^. BDSO ^. TBP.     

Synergistic extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from nitric acid with 4-benzoyl-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-thione (HBMPPT) and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) in toluene

The extractant HBMPPT (4-benzoyl-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-thione) was synthesized from HBMPP. Its m.p. was 106–108°C. The synergistic extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from nitric acid solution by HBMPPT and TOPO in toluene was studied. The extraction ability of HBMPPT was not so high as that of its parent (HBMPP), but when a little tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) was added the ability to extract U(VI) and Th(IV) was seriously improved. The synergistic extracted complexes may be presented as UO₂NO₃·BMPPT·TOPO and UO₂(BMPPT)₂·TOPO for U(VI), and Th(NO₃)₃·BMPPT·TOPO and Th(NO₃)₂(BMPPT)₂·TOPO for Th(IV) respectively.     

Extraction of actinides by dibutyl-N,N-diethylcarbamoylmethylenephosphonate [DBDECMP] from nitric acid solutions

The extraction of Am(III), Pu(IV) and U(VI) as representatives of tri-, tetra- and hexavalent actinides by dibutyl-N,N-diethylcarbamoylmethylenephosphonate (DBDECMP) from nitric acid solution has ben studied with an objective of understanding the extraction mechanism. The dependence of the distribution ratios of the actinide ions was studied as a function of the concentration of H⁺, DBDECMP and NO ₃ ^– . The extraction data revealed that all the three actinide ions are extracted as their neutral nitrate complexes solvated by DBDECMP which behaves as neutral extractant only. The absorption spectra of DBDECMP and TBP extracts of these actinide ions were recorded. From the close similarity of these spectra it is inferred that DBDECMP acts as a monodentate extractant in the present system.     

Extraction of uranium(VI) with N,N,N′,N′-tetrabutylmalonamide and N,N,N′,N′-tetrahexylmalonamide

A new diamide N,N,N′,N′-tetrahexylmalonamide (THMA) was synthesized, characterized and used in the extraction of U(VI) from nitric acid solutions. N,N,N′,N′-tetrabutylmalonamide (TBMA) was also studied to test the steric hindrance. Factors affecting this extraction system, the concentration of the extractant, aqueous nitric acid and NaNO₃ and the temperature were investigated. The IR spectral study was also made of the extracted species.     

Extraction of uranium(VI) from nitric acid solution with hexyloctylsulfoxide (HxOSO)

The thermodynamic extraction of uranium(VI) with hexyloctylsulfoxide (HxOSO) has been studied. It was found that the distribution ratio increases with increasing nitric acid concentration up to 2.3 mol/l and then decreases. The distribution ratio also increases with increasing extractant concentration. The extracted species appears to be UO₂(NO₃)₂ ^.2HxOSO. The influences of temperature, sodium nitrate and oxalate concentrations on the extraction were also investigated, and the thermodynamic functions of the extraction reaction were obtained.     

Carbamoylmethyl sulfoxides as novel extractants for actinides

The present paper describes a novel type of extractant for actinides called bis (dioctylcarbamoylmethyl) sulfoxide which neither contains phosphorus nor entails the addition of tributyl phosphate as phase modifier for extraction. This extractant, abbreviated as CMSO, has been found to be freely soluble in dodecane and to form no third phase even with concentrations of nitric acid as high as 10M. The distribution ratios for the extraction of Am(III), Pu(IV) and U(VI) at trace levels have been found to be 13, 220 and 11, respectively, from 5M nitric acid using 0.2M CMSO in dodecane and those for back-extraction have been found to be 2×10^–4, 8×10^–3 and 5×10^–2 using 0.01M nitric acid, 0.1M oxalic acid and 0.35M sodium carbonate, respectively. Similar distribution ratios were obtained with the recycled extractant. Extraction was found to be very rapid. Eu(III) and Sr(II) were found to be moderately extracted with distribution ratios of 2 and 0.77, respectively, while the extraction of Cs(I) was negligible (K_D=0.005).     

Extraction of Uranium(VI) by N-Octanoylpiperidine in Toluene

The extraction of uranium(VI) from nitric acid by N-octanoylpiperidine (OPPD) in toluene has been investigated at varying concentrations of nitric acid, extractant, salting-out agent LiNO₃ and at different temperatures. The mechanism of extraction is discussed in the light of the results obtained. The extracted species have also been investigated using FT-IR spectrometry. The related thermodynamic functions were calculated.     

Extraction behavior of U(IV) from nitric acid medium using di-isodecyl phosphoric acid dissolved in dodecane

Solvent extraction of U(VI) with di-isodecyl phosphoric acid (DIDPA)/dodecane from nitric acid medium has been investigated for a wide range of experimental conditions. Effect of various parameters including nitric acid concentration, DIDPA concentration, temperature, stripping agents, and other impurities like rear earths, transition metal ion, boron, aluminum ion on U(VI) extraction has been studied. The species extracted in the organic phase is found to be UO₂(NO₃)(HA₂)·H₂A₂ at lower acidity (<3.0 M HNO₃). Increase in temperature lead to the decrease in extraction with the enthalpy change by ∆H = −16.27 kJ/mol. Enhancement in extraction of U(VI) from nitric acid medium was observed with the mixture of DIDPA and tri butyl phosphate (TBP). The stripping of U(VI) from organic phase (DIDPA–U(VI)/dodecane) with various reagents followed the order: 4 M H₂SO₄ > 5% (NH₄)₂CO₃ > 8 M HCl > 8 M HNO₃ > Water. High separation factors between U(VI) and impurities suggested that the use of DIDPA for purification of uranium from multi elements bearing solution.     

Phenyl-N,N-dibutylcarbamoylmethyl sulfoxide as a new bifunctional extractant for extraction of uranium (VI) in toluene

A new bifunctional extractant named phenyl-N,N-dibutylcarbamoylmethyl sulfoxide (PCMSO) is synthesized and characterized in order to investigate its selectivity and capability in the extraction from acidic nitrate media in nuclear reprocessing. The extraction of uranium (VI) with PCMSO in toluene has been studied at various concentrations of nitric acid, extractant and salting-out agent (LiNO₃). The mechanism of extraction is discussed in the light of the results obtained. The extracted species has also been investigated using FT-IR spectrometry. The related thermodynamic functions were calculated. The IR spectral study was also made of the extracted species.