The effect of previous gamma-irradiation on the extraction of U(VI), Th(IV), Zr(IV), Eu(III) and Am(III) by various amides

The extraction behavior of U(VI), Th(IV), Zr(IV), Eu(III) and Am(III) from 3.5M nitric acid with a series of gamma-pre-irradiated symmetrical and unsymmetrical monoamides in benzene has been investigated up to a dose of 100 Mrad. The results indicated that the radiolytic stability is influenced by the structure of amides. Symmetrical monoamides seem to be less affected by radiation compared with unsymmetrical monoamides. Infrared studies identify the final products of radiolysis as the respective carboxylic acids and amines. The radiolytic degradation of the investigated monoamides has been estimated by quantitative IR spectroscopy. Extraction data obtained under similar experimental conditions for U(VI), Th(IV) and Zr(IV) with the TBP/benzene system have also been compared. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Methylbutylmalonamide as an extractant for U(VI), Pu(IV) and Am(III)

We describe the operation of a Local Area Network at Nuclear Chemistry Laboratory involved in surveillance of environmental radioactivity. Detailed consideration is given separately to computer and network hardware, radiation instrument interfacing, software, as well as operations. The application of a Local Area Network offers considerable improvements in the laboratory preformance, quality assurance of radioactivity analyses, and data reporting.     

Extractive separation of Th(IV), U(VI), Ti(IV), La(III) and Fe(III) from Zarigan ore

In this study, the effects of various extraction parameters such as extractant types (Cyanex302, Cyanex272, TBP), acid type (nitric, sulfuric, hydrochloric) and their concentrations were studied on the thorium separation efficiency from uranium(VI), titanium(IV), lanthanum(III), iron(III) using Taguchi^??s method. Results showed that, all these variables had significant effects on the selective thorium separation. The optimum separations of thorium from uranium, titanium and iron were achieved by Cyanex302. The aqueous solutions of 0.01 and 1 M nitric acid were found as the best aqueous conditions for separating of thorium from titanium (or iron) and uranium, respectively. The combination of 0.01 M nitric acid and Cyanex272 were found that to be the optimum conditions for the selective separation of thorium from lanthanum. The results also showed that TBP could selectively extract all studied elements into organic phase leaving thorium behind in the aqueous phase. Detailed experiments showed that 0.5 M HNO₃ is the optimum acid concentration for separating of thorium from other elements with acidic extractants such as Cyanex272 and Cyanex302. The two-stage process containing TBP-Cyanex302 was proposed for separation thorium and uranium from Zarigan ore leachate.     

Modeling Speciation and Solubility in Aqueous Systems Containing U(IV,VI), Np(IV,V, VI), Pu(III,IV, V,VI), Am(III), and Cm(III)

A comprehensive thermodynamic model, referred to as the Mixed-Solvent Electrolyte model, has been applied to calculate phase equilibria and chemical speciation in selected aqueous actinide systems. The solution chemistry of U(IV, VI), Np(IV, V, VI), Pu(III, IV, V, VI), Am(III), and Cm(III) has been analyzed to develop the parameters of the model. These parameters include the standard-state thermochemical properties of aqueous and solid actinide species as well as the ion interaction parameters that reflect the solution’s nonideality. The model reproduces the solubility behavior and accurately predicts the formation of competing solid phases as a function of pH (from 0 to 14 and higher), temperature (up to 573 K), partial pressure of CO₂ (up to \( p_{{{\text{CO}}_{2} }} \)  = 1 bar), and concentrations of acids (to 127 mol·kg^?1), bases (to 18 mol·kg^?1), carbonates (to 6 mol·kg^?1) and other ionic components (i.e., Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, OH^?, Cl^?, \( {\text{ClO}}_{4}^{ - } \), and \( {\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - } \)). Redox effects on solubility and speciation have been incorporated into the model, as exemplified by the reductive and oxidative dissolution of Np(VI) and Pu(IV) solids, respectively. Thus, the model can be used to elucidate the phase and chemical equilibria for radionuclides in natural aquatic systems or in nuclear waste repository environments as a function of environmental conditions. Additionally, the model has been applied to systems relevant to nuclear fuel processing, in which nitric acid and nitrate salts of plutonium and uranium are present at high concentrations. The model reproduces speciation and solubility in the U(VI) + HNO₃ + H₂O and Pu(IV, VI) + HNO₃ + H₂O systems up to very high nitric acid concentrations (\( x_{{{\text{HNO}}_{3} }} \approx 0.70 \)). Furthermore, the similarities and differences in the solubility behavior of the actinides have been analyzed in terms of aqueous speciation.     

Synergistic extraction of americium(III) with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone and crown ethers

Extracton, of Am³⁺ in benzene with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (HTTA) and crown ethers (CEs) such as 15-crown-5, 18-crown-6, dicyclohexano-18-crown-6, dibenzo-18-crown-6, dicyclohexano-24-crown-8, and dibenzo-24-crown-8 was investigated. Synergistic effect by CE was observed regardless of the kind of CE examined. The extracted species was found to be Am(TTA)₃(CE), and adduct formation constants between Am(TTA)₃ and CE in the organic phase were determined. The sequence of constant could not be explained only by basicity of CE and the steric effect of CE should be taken into account to elucidate the adduct complex formation.     

EXAFS investigation of U(VI), U(IV), and Th(IV) sulfato complexes in aqueous solution

The local structure of U(VI), U(IV), and Th(IV) sulfato complexes in aqueous solution was investigated by U-L(3) and Th-L(3) EXAFS spectroscopy for total sulfate concentrations 0.05 < or = [SO(4)(2-)] < or = 3 M and 1.0 < or = pH < or = 2.6. The sulfate coordination was derived from U-S and Th-S distances and coordination numbers. The spectroscopic results were combined with thermodynamic speciation and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In equimolar [SO(4)(2-)]/[UO(2)(2+)] solution, a U-S distance of 3.57 +/- 0.02 Angstrom suggests monodentate coordination, in line with UO(2)SO(4)(aq) as the dominant species. With increasing [SO(4)(2-)]/[UO(2)(2+)] ratio, an additional U-S distance of 3.11 +/- 0.02 Angstrom appears, suggesting bidentate coordination in line with the predominance of the UO(2)(SO(4))(2)(2-) species. The sulfate coordination of Th(IV) and U(IV) was investigated at [SO(4)(2-)]/[M(IV)] ratios > or = 8. The Th(IV) sulfato complex comprises both, monodentate and bidentate coordination, with Th-S distances of 3.81 +/- 0.02 and 3.14 +/- 0.02 Angstrom, respectively. A similar coordination is obtained for U(IV) sulfato complexes at pH 1 with monodentate and bidentate U-S distances of 3.67 +/- 0.02 and 3.08 +/- 0.02 Angstrom, respectively. By increasing the pH value to 2, a U(IV) sulfate precipitates. This precipitate shows only a U-S distance of 3.67 +/- 0.02 Angstrom in line with a monodentate linkage between U(IV) and sulfate. Previous controversially discussed observations of either monodentate or bidentate sulfate coordination in aqueous solutions can now be explained by differences of the [SO(4)(2-)]/[M] ratio. At low [SO(4)(2-)]/[M] ratios, the monodentate coordination prevails, and bidentate coordination becomes important only at higher ratios.     

Acetylenic β-keto Ester of Th(IV), U(IV), and U(VI) Compounds

Acetylenic β-keto ester (L) compounds ML₄ (M = Th and U), and UO₂L₂ · EtOH have been prepared by reactions in non-aqueous solvents. The infrared spectra of these compounds are reported together with some of their chemical properties.     

Synergistic effect of HBMPPT with PSO, DOSO and TBP on the extraction of U(VI) and on the separation of U(VI) and Th(IV)

Some popular neutral extractants (PSO-petroleum sulfoxide, DOSO-di-n-octyl sulfoxide, TBP-tributylphosphate etc.) were chosen as synergist to study the synergistic effect on the extraction reaction with HBMPPT (4-benzoyl-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-thione) for U(VI), and the synergistic separation ability of HBMPPT for U(VI) and Th(IV). The synergistic extraction ability shown by the studied systems for U(VI) is as follows: PSO>DOSO>TBP, and the same sequence was also verified for the separation coefficient of U(VI) and Th(IV). The synergistic complexes may be presented as: UO₂NO₃·BMPPT·S and UO₂(BMPPT)₂·S for U(VI) (S is PSO, DOSO or TBP).     

Bicyclic and acyclic diamides: comparison of their aqueous phase binding constants with Nd(III), Am(III), Pu(IV), Np(V), Pu(VI), and U(VI)

This report describes affinity measurements for two, water-soluble, methyl-alkylated diamides incorporating the malonamide functionality, N,N,N',N' tetramethylmalonamide (TMMA) and a bicyclic diamide (1a), toward actinide metal cations (An) in acidic nitrate solutions. Ligand complexation to actinides possessing oxidation states ranging from +3 to +6 was monitored through optical absorbance spectroscopy, and formation constants were obtained from the refinement of the spectrophotometric titration data sets. Species analysis gives evidence for the formation of 1, 4, 1, and 2 spectrophotometrically observable complexes by TMMA to An(III, IV, V, and VI), respectively, while for 1a, the respective numbers are 3, 4, 2, and 2. Consistent with the preorganization of 1a toward actinide binding, a significant difference is found in the magnitudes of their respective formation constants at each complexation step. It has been found that the binding affinity for TMMA follows the well-established order An(V) < An(III) < An(VI) < An(IV). However, with 1a, Np(V) forms stronger complexes than Am(III). The complexation of 1a with Np(V) and Pu(VI) at an acidity of 1.0 M is followed by reduction to Np(IV) and Pu(IV), whereas TMMA does not perturb the initial oxidation state for these dioxocations. These measurements of diamide binding affinity mark the first time single-component optical absorbance spectra have been reported for a span of actinide-diamide complexes covering all common oxidation states in aqueous solution.     

Ion exchange studies of U(VI), Th(IV), Pu(IV) and Eu(III) on a macroreticular resin in TBP-Shell Sol-T solutions

Ion exchange studies of uranium(VI), thorium(IV), plutonium(IV) and europium(III) ions on a macroreticular cation exchange resin, Amberlyst A-15, from solutions of 30% and 5% TBP—Shell Sol-T have been carried out. The metal ions were extracted into TBP Shell Sol-T phase from 8M NH₄NO₃ at different nitric acid concentrations. Ion exchange distribution ratios as a function of organic phase acidity of 30% and 5% TBP have been computed. Separation factors computed from the observed Kd values are plotted as a function of organic phase acidity.     

Ion exchange separation of Eu(III), Th(IV), U(VI) and Pu(IV) ions on Amberlyst A-15 in non-aqueous solutions

Distribution ratios of europium(III), thorium(IV), uranium(VI) and plutonium(IV) ions on Amberlyst A-15, a macroreticular polystyrene sulfonate resin, after extraction in HTTA-TBP-Shell Sol-T and HTTA-TOPO-benzene solutions have been determined as a function of the aqueous acidity. The affinity orders were EuPu>Th>U and Eu>Th>Pu>U in the former and the latter solutions, respectively. Separation factors were computed from the observed K_d values. A procedure for the separation of a mixture of Eu(III), Th(IV), and U(VI) ions in HTTA-TOPO-benzene solution in an ion-exchange column is described.     

Distribution behavior of U(VI), Am(III) and Eu(III) on diglycolamide based extraction chromatographic resin in perchloric acid medium

An attempt has been made in the present work to investigate the role of anion for the uptake of Am(III)/Eu(III)/U(VI) by extraction chromatography (EXC) resin incorporating tetra-n-octyl-3-oxapentanediamide, commonly referred to as tetra-octyl diglycolamide (TODGA). In contrast to the nitric acid, perchloric acid medium favors extraction of trivalent metal ions even at low acidity (pH 2) and is almost insensitive to the acidity up to 5 M. Exceptionally large distribution coefficients (10⁵–10⁶) in the wide range of perchlorate concentration (10^?2–5 M) is quite unusual and is by far the largest reported in the literature for Am(III)/Eu(III). Thermodynamic data suggests the possibility of inner sphere/cation exchange mechanism involving TODGA aggregates at higher acidity but outer sphere/cation exchange mechanism at low acidity for Eu(III). There is a possibility of employing TODGA based EXC resin for the remediation of liquid waste (contaminated with long lived transuranics like ^241/243Am and ²⁴⁵Cm) in the wide range of acidity.     

Interaction of Aluminium (III) with the f-Family Ions Np(VI), Pu(VI), Np(V), Np(IV), Pu(IV), Nd(III), and Am(III) in the Course of Simultaneous Hydrolysis

The interaction of Np(VI), Pu(VI), Np(V), Np(IV), Pu(IV), Nd(III), and Am(III) with Al(III) in solutions at pH 0–4 was studied by the spectrophotometric method. It was shown that, in the range of pH 3–4, the hydrolyzed forms of neptunyl and plutonyl react with the hydrolyzed forms of aluminium. In the case of Pu(VI), the mixed hydroxoaqua complexes (H₂O)₃PuO₂(-OH)₂Al(OH)(H₂O)₃ ²⁺ or (H₂O)₄PuO₂OAl(OH)(H₂O)₄ ²⁺ are formed at the first stage of hydrolysis. Np(VI) also forms similar hydroxoaqua complexes with Al(III). The formation of the mixed hydroxoaqua complexes was also observed when Np(IV) or Pu(IV) was simultaneously hydrolyzed with Al(III) at pH 1.5–2.5. The Np(IV) complex with Al(III) has, most likely, the formula (H₂O) _n (OH)Np(-OH)₂Al(OH)(H₂O)₃ ³⁺. At pH from 2 to 4.1 (when aluminium hydroxide precipitates), the Np(V) or Nd(III) ions exist in solutions with or without Al(III) in similar forms. When pH is increased to 5–5.5, these ions are almost not captured by the aluminium hydroxide precipitate.     

Selective extraction of U(VI), Th(IV), and La(III) from acidic matrix solutions and environmental samples using chemically modified Amberlite XAD-16 resin

A new grafted polymer has been developed by the chemical modification of Amberlite XAD-16 (AXAD-16) polymeric matrix with [(2-dihydroxyarsinoylphenylamino)methyl]phosphonic acid (AXAD-16-AsP). The modified polymer was characterized by a combination of ¹³C CPMAS and ³¹P solid-state NMR, Fourier transform-NIR-FIR-Raman spectroscopy, CHNPS elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The distribution studies for the extraction of U(VI), Th(IV), and La(III) from acidic solutions were performed using an AXAD-16-AsP-packed chromatographic column. The influences of various physiochemical parameters on analyte recovery were optimized by both static and dynamic methods. Accordingly, even under high acidities (>4 M), good distribution ratio (D) values (10²–10⁴) were achieved for all the analytes. Metal ion desorption was effective using 1 mol L^–1 (NH₄)₂CO₃. From kinetic studies, a time duration of <15 min was sufficient for complete metal ion saturation of the resin phase. The maximum metal sorption capacities were found to be 0.25, 0.13, and 1.49 mmol g^–1 for U(VI); 0.47, 0.39, and 1.40 mmol g^–1 for Th(IV); and 1.44, 1.48, and 1.12 mmol g^–1 for La(III), in the presence of 2 mol L^–1 HNO₃, 2 mol L^–1 HCl, and under pH conditions, respectively. The analyte selectivity of the grafted polymer was tested in terms of interfering species tolerance studies. The system showed an enrichment factor of 365, 300, and 270 for U(VI), Th(IV), and La(III), and the limit of analyte detection was in the range of 18–23 ng mL^–1. The practical applicability of the polymer was tested with synthetic nuclear spent fuel and seawater mixtures, natural water, and geological samples. The RSD of the total analytical procedure was within 4.9%, thus confirming the reliability of the developed method.     

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.     

Studies on the extraction behavior of Zr(IV), Ce(III), Th(IV) and U(VI) from aqueous solutions of Arsenazo-I with HDEHP,HTTA, TDA and TCMA

The extraction behavior of Zr(IV), Ce(III), Th(IV) and U(VI) from aqueous solutions containing Arsenazo-I with the organic solvents tridodecylamine (TDA), 1-[thenoyl-(2)]-3-3-3-trifluoroacetone (HTTA), di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP) and tricaprylmethylammonium chloride (TCMA) in xylene has been investigated. Effect of hydrogen ion concentration in the aqueous phase, Arsenazo-I concentration, as well as the effect of solvent concentration on the extraction was studied. Some alternatives for separation of the elements studied were recommended enabling the spectrophotometric determination of these elements using Arsenazo-I without interference.     

Liquid-liquid extraction of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) by two open-chain crown ethers with terminal quinolyl groups in chloroform

Two open-chain crown ethers 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)bis[(8-quinolyloxymethyl)benzene], (L1), and 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)bis[(8-quinaldyloxymethyl)benzene], (L2) have been prepared and characterized by using elemental analysis, IR spectra, ¹H NMR spectra and positive-ion FAB mass spectra. The extraction of UO₂ ²⁺ and Th⁴⁺ by both open-chain crown ethers, L1 and L2 in chloroform as a diluent was studied at 25 °C. Extraction distribution ratios (D) of UO₂ ²⁺ and Th⁴⁺ were investigated as a function of pH, lithium picrate concentration, and extractant concentration. Based on the expertimental results, it was found that 1 : 1 complexes were formed involving either UO₂ ²⁺ or Th⁴⁺ with L1, and Th⁴⁺ with L2. The extractability of L1 for Th⁴⁺ is significantly higher than that for UO₂ ²⁺, the extractabilities of L1 and L2 for Th⁴⁺ being almost identical. L1 and L2 used here are not feasible for industry because of their relatively low extractabilities for Th⁴⁺ at pH<2.0 and for UO₂ ²⁺ at the extraction conditions used in this work.     

Oxidation of Am(III) and stability of Am(IV) and Am(VI) in mineral acid solutions

The oxidation of americium in HNO₃, H₂SO₄ and HClO₄ solutions by a mixture of potassium persulfate with silver salt in the presence of potassium phosphotungstate has been investigated. The influence of acid and its concentration, of (NH₄)₂S₂O₃, K₁₀P₂W₁₇O₆₁ and silver salt on Am(III) oxidation rate, yield and stability of Am(IV) and Am(VI), has been studied. The complexation of Am(III), Am(IV) and Am(VI) with phosphotungstate ions has been investigated. It has been established that Am(III) and Am(IV) form ML₂ complexes and their apparent stability constants have been estimated. The oxidation mechanism is discussed. A method for preparing of Am(IV) in 0.1–6M HNO₃, O.1–3M H₂SO₄, 0.1–1M HClO₄ solutions is proposed. The oxidation of Am(III) to Am(IV) by KBrO₃ and K₂Cr₂O₇ in HNO₃, H₂SO₄, HClO₄ solutions in the presence of K₁₀P₂W₁₇O₆₁ has been investigated.