Characteristics of uranium adsorption by amidoxime membrane synthesized by radiationinduced graft polymerization

Chelating membranes containing amidoxime groups for the recovery of uranium were synthesized by the radiation-induced graft polymerization of acrylonitrile onto high- and low-density polyethylene films, followed by amidoximation of the cyano groups. The amidoxime group contents of both chelating membranes were about 2.0 tool per kilogram of HCl-conditioned membrane. Both amidoxime-group-containing membranes showed maximum uranium adsorption capacity for uranyl solutions between pH 5 and 7. Uranium permeability of the low-density-polyethylene-based chelating membrane was found to be much better than that of the high-densitypolyethylene-based chelating membrane.     

Characteristics of uranium adsorption by amidoxime membrane synthesized by radiation-induced graft polymerization

Chelating membranes containing amidoxime groups for the recovery of uranium were synthesized by the radiation-induced graft polymerization of acrylonitrile onto high- and low-density polyethylene films, followed by amidoximation of the cyano groups. The amidoxime group contents of both chelating membranes were about 2.0 mol per kilogram of HCl-conditioned membrane. Both amidoxime-group-containing membranes showed maximum uranium adsorption capacity for uranyl solutions between pH 5 and 7. Uranium permeability of the low-density-polyethylene-based chelating membrane was found to be much better than that of the high-densitypolyethylene-based chelating membrane.     

Uranium sorption from saline lake brine by amidoximated silica

A series of silica sorbents with different content of amidoxime groups were prepared through co-condensation method and applied to extract uranium from saline lake brine. The optimum amidoxime group content was determined and effects of pH on uranium sorption were investigated. Sorption kinetic and isotherms were also investigated. XPS analysis indicated that the adsorption mechanism of uranium was attributed to the interaction between uranyl ion and N in the amidoxime. Amidoximated silica could efficiently absorb the naturally occurring uranium in the saline lake brine samples from Qinghai, China.     

Structural Features of Uranyl Hydroxylaminate and Oximate Complexes

On the basis of the currently available uranyl complexes with hydroxylamine and its N-substituted derivatives and oximes, the coordination modes of the ligands and structural features of such complexes have been considered with the aim of determining general trends for this new family of uranium(VI) compounds. All the uranyl oximate and hydroxylaminate complexes contain a deprotonated ligand coordinated to the central atom through the nitrogen and oxygen atoms to form a stable three-membered chelate ring. Depending on the composition, these compounds can be divided into two large groups: complexes with tris(chelate) and bis(chelate) structural moieties.     

Specific capture of uranyl protein targets by metal affinity chromatography

To improve general understanding of biochemical mechanisms in the field of uranium toxicology, the identification of protein targets needs to be intensified. Immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) has been widely developed as a powerful tool for capturing metal binding proteins from biological extracts. However uranyl cations (UO2(2+)) have particular physico-chemical characteristics which prevent them from being immobilized on classical metal chelating supports. We report here on the first development of an immobilized uranyl affinity chromatography method, based on the cation-exchange properties of aminophosphonate groups for uranyl binding. The cation distribution coefficient and loading capacity on the support were determined. Then the stability of the uranyl-bonded phase under our chromatographic conditions was optimized to promote affinity mechanisms. The successful enrichment of uranyl binding proteins from human serum was then proven using proteomic and mass spectral analysis.     

EDTA and DTPA modified ligands as sequestering agents for uranyl decorporation

Synthesis of modified EDTA and DTPA ligands and determination of their binding affinities for the uranyl cation are described.Thanks to a screening method, based on a chromophoric complex displacement procedure, chelating properties were studied in aqueous media under various pH conditions for evaluation of their in vivo uranyl-removal efficacy. Each ligand showed a more or less pronounced affinity for uranium. Specific ligands based on EDTA or DTPA analogues containing sulfocatecholamide (CAMS) were found to exhibit a significant affinity towards uranyl ion in acidic, neutral or basic conditions.     

Theoretical study of the uranyl complexation by hydroxamic and carboxylic acid groups

A theoretical study on the complexation of uranyl cation (UO2(2+)) by three different functional groups of a calix[6]arene cage, that is, two hydroxamic and a carboxylic acid function, has been carried out using density functional theory calculations. In particular, interaction energies between the uranyl and the functional groups have been used to determine their affinity toward uranyl, whereas pKa calculations give some information on the availability of the functional groups in the extraction conditions. On the one hand, calculations of the interaction energies have pointed out clearly a better affinity with the hydroxamic groups. The stabilization of this complex was rationalized in terms of a stronger electrostatic interaction between the uranyl cation and the hydroxamic groups. The presence of a water molecule in the first coordination sphere of uranyl does not destabilize the complex, and the most stable complex is obtained with two functional groups and two water molecules, leading to a coordination number of 8 for the central uranium atom. On the other hand, pKa theoretical evaluation shows that both hydroxamic (deprotonated on the oxygen site) and carboxylic groups are potential extractants in aqueous medium with a preference for carboxylic functions at low pH. Moreover, these data allowed to unambiguously identify the oxygen of the alcohol function as the favored deprotonation site on the hydroxamic function.     

Extraction of uranium from simulated ore by the supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction method with nitric acid-TBP complex.

The supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method using CO(2) as a medium with an extractant of HNO(3)-tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) complex was applied to extract uranium from several uranyl phosphate compounds and simulated uranium ores. An extraction method consisting of a static extraction process and a dynamic one was established, and the effects of the experimental conditions, such as pressure, temperature, and extraction time, on the extraction of uranium were ascertained. It was found that uranium could be efficiently extracted from both the uranyl phosphates and simulated ores by the SFE method using CO(2). It was thus demonstrated that the SFE method using CO(2) is useful as a pretreatment method for the analysis of uranium in ores.     

The influence of linker geometry in bis(3-hydroxy-N-methyl-pyridin-2-one) ligands on solution phase uranyl affinity

Seven water-soluble, tetradentate bis(3-hydroxy-N-methyl-pyridin-2-one) (bis-Me-3,2-HOPO) ligands were synthesized that vary only in linker geometry and rigidity. Solution-phase thermodynamic measurements were conducted between pH 1.6 and pH 9.0 to determine the effects of these variations on proton and uranyl cation affinity. Proton affinity decreases by introduction of the solubilizing triethylene glycol group as compared to unsubstituted reference ligands. Uranyl affinity was found to follow no discernable trends with incremental geometric modification. The butyl-linked 4 li-Me-3,2-HOPO ligand exhibited the highest uranyl affinity, consistent with prior in vivo decorporation results. Of the rigidly-linked ligands, the o-phenylene linker imparted the best uranyl affinity to the bis-Me-3,2-HOPO ligand platform.     

Decorating Covalent Organic Frameworks with High-density Chelate Groups for Uranium Extraction

The extraction of uranium from aqueous solution is highly desirable for sustaining the increasing demand for environmental safety and nuclear fuel. Herein, we report a strategy using a two-step covalent modification for the synthesis of covalent organic frameworks(COFs) with high-density amidoxime chelate groups at periphery. The introduction of dense amidoxime groups plays a pivotal role in uranium adsorption. The resulting COF exhibits strong affinity with the distribution coefficient of 5.2×10⁴ mL/g and a high adsorption capacity of 319.9 mg/g. The strategy could be expanded to identify and remove different contaminants by introducing special functional groups.     

Sequestering agents for uranyl chelation: new calixarene ligands

Synthesis of sulfocatecholamide (CAMS) and hydroxypyridinone (HOPO) calixarene ligands and determination of their binding abilities for the uranyl cation were described. Chelating properties were determined by UV spectrophotometry in aqueous media under various pH conditions and further studied by ¹H NMR analysis of the resonance signals of both aromatics' protons of the chelating groups. Each ligand shows a more or less pronounced affinity for uranium. HOPO calixarenes exhibit significant affinity towards uranyl ion at acidic and neutral pH while CAMS calixarene is more efficient at basic pH.     

Determination of uranium in silicate rocks using laser induced fluorescence

A rapid method for fluorimetric estimation of uranium in silicate rocks is described. The fluorescence of uranyl complex is induced by laser beam in the ultraviolet region provided by nitrogen laser tube. The emission spectrum is quite intense and relatively persistent. For direct estimation of uranium in geological silicate materials without prior extraction, the interference of certain cations and anions that might be present in silicate rocks on uranium determination was studied. The limit of detection is 0.5 ppb.     

Systematic evolution from uranyl(VI) phosphites to uranium(IV) phosphates

Six new uranium phosphites, phosphates, and mixed phosphate-phosphite compounds were hydrothermally synthesized, with an additional uranyl phosphite synthesized at room temperature. These compounds can contain U(VI) or U(IV), and two are mixed-valent U(VI)/U(IV) compounds. There appears to be a strong correlation between the starting pH and reaction duration and the products that form. In general, phosphites are more likely to form at shorter reaction times, while phosphates form at extended reaction times. Additionally, reduction of uranium from U(VI) to U(IV) happens much more readily at lower pH and can be slowed with an increase in the initial pH of the reaction mixture. Here we explore the in situ hydrothermal redox reactions of uranyl nitrate with phosphorous acid and alkali-metal carbonates. The resulting products reveal the evolution of compounds formed as these hydrothermal redox reactions proceed forward with time.     

Theoretical investigation of uranyl dihydroxide: oxo ligand exchange, water catalysis, and vibrational spectra

Density functional theory is employed to investigate uranyl dihydroxide, UO2(OH)2, isomerization reaction energy barriers, including those occurring via proton shuttles. The ground-state structure of a uranyl dihydroxide complex containing a uranyl moiety with a near 90 degrees O=U=O bond angle is reported for the first time. Furthermore, we predict the vibrational spectra of these compounds. Scalar-relativistic effects for uranium are treated by employing a relativistic effective core potential.     

Influence of Crosslinking and Porosity on the Uranium Adsorption of Macroreticular Chelating Resin Containing Amidoxime Groups

Macroreticular chelating resins (RNH) containing amidoxime groups with various degrees of crosslinking were synthesized by using various amounts of divinylbenzene (DVB) or/and poly(ethylene glycol) dimeth-acrylate [ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (IG), diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (2G), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (3G), tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (4G), and nanoethylene glycol dimethacrylate (9G)] as crosslinking reagent. The effects of crosslinking reagents on the pore structure, ion-exchange capacity, swelling ratio, and adsorption ability for uranium of RNH were investigated. The adsorption ability of RNH for uranium was tested by use of natural seawater or U-spiked seawater. RNH-1G samples prepared by using 1G were shown to have macroreticular structures by measuring the specific surface area. RNH-1G had high adsorption ability and good physical stability. Though RNH-4G samples obtained by using 4G had little macroreticular structure (macropore), these resins showed high adsorption ability for uranium on treatment with 0. 1 M NaOH at 30°C for 15 h. RNH-4G was found to have low physical and chemical stability. For the preparation of RNH with effective pore structure for the recovery of uranium, as well as chemical and physical stability, the simultaneous use of DVB and 1G or 4G as crosslinking reagent was examined (abbreviated as RNH-DVB-1G and RNH-DVB-4G). The RNH-DVB-1G showed high adsorption ability for uranium. Repeated use did not cause deterioration of either RNH-DVB-1G or RNH-DVB-4G. RNH-DVB-1G samples with various degrees of crosslinking were prepared, and the uranium recovery of the resins was also investigated by a column method. Although the RNH-DVB-1G samples with the same degree of crosslinking had almost the same content of amidoxime groups, the uranium recovery of each RNH-DVB-1G sample was considerably different and increased by treatment with alkali solution. These results indicate that the adsorption ability of RNH-DVB-1G for uranium in seawater was not only affected by the macropores but also by the micropores formed by swelling of the resins.     

Recovery of uranium using immobilized polyhydroxybenzene

In order to develop a new adsorbent for uranium, the adsorption of uranium from seawater by immobilized polyhydroxybenzene compounds has been investigated. Polyhydroxybenzene compounds having adjacent hydroxy groups, such as catechol and pyrogallol, form stable five-membered chelate ring with uranyl ion. The immobilized polyhydroxybenzene compounds have an excellent ability to adsorb uranium from seawater. Especially, the immobilized pyrogallol, having two chelating positions for uranyl ion, is the most suitable adsorbent for uranium recovery from seawater. This adsorbent also has a selectivity for uranium.     

Cation-cation interactions between uranyl cations in a polar open-framework uranyl periodate

Novel open-framework alkali metal uranyl periodates, having the formula A[(UO2)3(HIO6)(OH)(O)(H2O)].1.5H2O (A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs), have been prepared through mild hydrothermal synthesis. These isostructural compounds contain distorted UO7 pentagonal bipyramids that are linked through a uranyl (UO22+) to uranyl cation-cation interaction. This interaction arises from a single axial uranyl oxygen coordinating at an equatorial site of an adjacent uranyl unit. These uranium oxide polyhedra are further bound by IO6 distorted octahedra creating an open-framework structure whose channels contain the alkali metal cations.     

Selective preconcentration of uranyl ion by silica gel phases modified with chelating compounds as inorganic polymeric ion exchangers.

Four chemically modified chelating silica gel phases (I - IV) with ion exchange groups were tested for their potential capability to selectively bind, extract and preconcentrate uranyl ions (UO(2)(2+)) from different aqueous solutions as well as ore samples. Factors affecting such determination processes were studied and optimized. These included the pH of the contact solution, the mass of the silica gel phase extractant, the stirring time during the application of a static technique and the eluent concentration for desorption of the surface-bound uranyl ion and interfering anions and cations. All these factors were evaluated on the basis of determinations of the distribution coefficient value (K(d)) and the percent recovery (R%). Percent recovery values of 91% for silica phase (II) and 93% for silica phase (IV) were identified in the optimum conditions. The proposed preconcentration method was further applied to uranium ore samples as well as granite samples. The determined percentage and ppm values are in good agreement with the standard assigned ones. The structure of the synthesized silica gel phases (I - IV) and their uranyl bound complexes were identified and characterized by means of infrared analysis, thermal analysis (TGA) and potentiometric titration.     

Parametric investigation of laser-induced fluorescence of solid-state uranyl compounds

The combination of remote/standoff sensing and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy shows potential for detection of uranyl (UO2(2+)) compounds. Uranyl compounds exhibit characteristic emission in the 450-600 nm (22,200 to 16,700 cm(-1)) spectral region when excited by wavelengths in the ultraviolet or in the short-wavelength portion of the visible spectrum. We report a parametric study of the effects of excitation wavelength [including 532 nm (18,797 cm(-1)), 355 nm (28,169 cm(-1)), and 266 nm (37,594 cm(-1))] and excitation laser power on solid-state uranium compounds. The uranium compounds investigated include uranyl nitrate, uranyl sulfate, uranyl oxalate, uranium dioxide, triuranium octaoxide, uranyl acetate, uranyl formate, zinc uranyl acetate, and uranyl phosphate. We observed the characteristic uranyl fluorescence spectrum from the uranium compounds except for uranium oxide compounds (which do not contain the uranyl moiety) and for uranyl formate, which has a low fluorescence quantum yield. Relative uranyl fluorescence intensity is greatest for 355 nm excitation, and the order of decreasing fluorescence intensity with excitation wavelength (relative intensity/laser output) is 355 nm > 266 nm > 532 nm. For 532 nm excitation, the emission spectrum is produced by two-photon excitation. Uranyl fluorescence intensity increases linearly with increasing laser power, but the rate of fluorescence intensity increase is different for different emission bands.     

Synthesis of chitin derivatives and their metal complexes

Thiosemicarbazide, phosphoric acid and amidoxime derivatives of chitosan were synthesized and their ability for metal ion adsorptions was discussed. Thiosemicarbazide derivative, synthesized by treating chlorodeoxychitosan with ammonium thiocyanate followed by treatment with hydrazine, was considered to have cross-linked network structure. Phosphoric acid derivative containing both N-phosphonic acid and phosphoric acid groups was synthesized by cyanoethylation of chitosan using acrylonitrile, followed by treatment with hydroxylamine. These derivatives were found to adsorb effectively infinitesimal concentration (ppb order) of uranyl ion in seawater. Stability constants of some metal ion chitosan chelates were determined. To improve the selectivity in the adsorption of metal ions, a novel method utilizing metal ion as a template was adopted, and the results are discussed.