Separation studies of uranium and thorium using tetra(2-ethylhexyl) diglycolamide (TEHDGA) as an extractant

The extraction behavior of uranium, thorium and nitric acid has been investigated for the TEHDGA/isodecyl alcohol/n-dodecane solvent system. Conditional acid uptake constant (K _H) of TEHDGA/n-dodecane and the ratio of TEHDGA to nitric acid were obtained as 1.72 and 1:0.96, respectively. The extracted species of uranium and thorium in the organic phase were found to be UO₂(NO₃)₂·2TEHDGA and Th(NO₃)₄·2TEHDGA. A workable separation factor (D _Th/D _U) of the order of 300 was observed between thorium and uranium in the nitric acid range of 0.5M to 1.5M. Similar separation factor was also achieved at higher acidity when thorium was present in large concentration compared to uranium. These results indicate that TEHDGA solvent system could be a potential candidate for separation of thorium from uranium.     

Identification of the chemical forms of uranium compounds in micrometer-size particles by means of micro-Raman spectrometry and scanning electron microscope

We used a micro-Raman spectrometer with two different laser excitation sources (514 and 785 nm) and variable laser powers to identify some uranium chemical species contained in airborne particulate matter. In the first part of this paper, we demonstrate that characteristic Raman bands mentioned in the literature for several uranium compounds relevant in the nuclear industry (UO₂, UO₄·(4H₂O), U₃O₈, UO₂F₂ and UF₄) can be identified in particles in the few μm to 30 μm size range. In the second part of the paper, we describe a method to carry out Raman analysis on airborne uranium particles sampled along with a majority of other kinds of particles simply by dabbing adhesive carbon disks on dusty surfaces. This methodology involves an SEM equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analyser and software for automated detection of particles specifically to locate uranium particles on the substrate before the Raman analysis. Then the sample holder is transferred to the micro-Raman spectrometer and particles are relocated using landmarks and simple geometric calculations. Raman analyses are carried out with the laser that gives the best signal to noise ratio. With such a method particles as small as 5 μm can be efficiently analysed, although most of the smaller particles cannot be analysed due to limited precision of the relocation process. This methodology was successfully applied to 20 particles collected in a nuclear facility.     

Uranium recovery from Uro area phosphate ore,Nuba Mountains,Sudan

This study was carried out in a laboratory scale to recover uranium from Uro area phosphate ore in the eastern part of Nuba Mountains in Sudan. Phosphate ore samples were collected, and analyzed for uranium abundance. The results showed that the samples contain a significant concentration of uranium with an average of 310.3 μg/g, which is 2.6 times higher than the world average of phosphate. The green phosphoric acid obtained from the samples was found to contain uranium in the range of 186–2049 μg/g, with an average of 603.3 μg/g, and about 98% of uranium content of the phosphate ore was rendered soluble in the phosphoric acid. An extraction process using 25% tributylphosphate, followed by stripping process using 0.5 M sodium carbonate reported that more than 98% of uranium in the green phosphoric acid exists as uranyl tricarbonate complex, moreover, sodic decomposition using 50% sodium hydroxide showed that about 98% of the uranium was precipitated as sodium diuranate concentrate that is known as the yellow cake (Na₂U₂O₇). Further purification and calcinations of the yellow cake led to the formation of the orange powder of uranium trioxide (UO₃). The chemical analysis of the obtained uranium concentrates; yellow cake and uranium trioxide proved their nuclear purity and that they meet the standard commercial specification. The obtained results proved that uranium from Uro phosphate ore was successfully recovered as uranium trioxide with an overall recovery percentage of 93%.     

Synthesis of Quinoline/Phenanthroline Impregnated Sugarcane Bagasse for Recovering Uranium(VI) and Thorium(IV) from their Solutions

This present research aims to synthesize and investigate the adsorption potential of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) impregnated with 8 hydroxy quinolone 8-(HQ) and 1,10 phenethroline (phen) to prepare impregnated sugarcane bagasse (ISCB) for removal U^VI and Th^IV. The effects of the operating parameters, including pH of the solution, contact time, initial concentration, temperature, dose and interfering ions on the adsorption efficiency were investigated to identify an optimal condition. The characterization of SEM-EDX and FTIR analyses shows that ISCB has a porous structure and carbon-containing functional groups. The adsorption result revealed that ISCB removed 98 % for both U^VI and Th^IV. The result obtained fitted well for Langmuir isotherms model with 185.19 mg · g^–1 and 250 mg · g^–1 as theoretical capacity for U^VI and Th^IV respectively. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In conclusion, this study proved that ISCB has the potential to be used as an effective and low-cost adsorbent to remove U^VI and Th^IV. Finally we obtain products from thorium as ThO₂ and uranium as Na₂U₂O₇ from Abu Rushied leach liquor.     

Magnetic susceptibilities of UO2ThO2ZrO2 solid solutions

Magnetic susceptibilities were measured from 2.2 K to room temperature for solid solutions of UO₂ThO₂ZrO₂ of which the lattice parameters are the same as that of UO₂, i.e., Th_0.7yZr_0.3yU_1−yO₂ solid solutions. The Néel temperature decreases linearly with decreasing uranium concentration, the critical concentration being 69 mole% UO₂. The Néel temperatures of the present solid solutions are nearly in the middle of UO₂ThO₂ solid solutions and UO₂ZrO₂ solid solutions, which indicates that the magnetic dilution effect of ZrO₂ is larger than that of ThO₂. The effective magnetic moment decreases with decreasing uranium concentration, which is due to a decrease in the magnetic interactions with adjacent uranium ions, not due to a change of the strength of crystalline field. The Weiss constant decreases almost linearly with decreasing uranium concentration.     

A calorimetric and thermodynamic investigation of A2[(UO2)2(MoO4)O2] compounds with A = K and Rb and calculated phase relations in the system (K2MoO4 + UO3 + H2O)

A calorimetric and thermodynamic investigation of two alkali-metal uranyl molybdates with general composition A₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂], where A = K and Rb, was performed. Both phases were synthesized by solid-state sintering of a mixture of potassium or rubidium nitrate, molybdenum (VI) oxide and gamma-uranium (VI) oxide at high temperatures. The synthetic products were characterised by X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray fluorescence methods. The enthalpy of formation of K₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂] was determined using HF-solution calorimetry giving Δ_fH° (T = 298 K, K₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂], cr) = −(4018 ± 8) kJ · mol⁻¹. The low-temperature heat capacity, С_р°, was measured using adiabatic calorimetry from T = (7 to 335) K for K₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂] and from T = (7 to 326) K for Rb₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂]. Using these С_р° values, the third law entropy at T = 298.15 K, S°, is calculated as (374 ± 1) J · K⁻¹ · mol⁻¹ for K₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂] and (390 ± 1) J · K⁻¹ · mol⁻¹ for Rb₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂]. These new experimental results, together with literature data, are used to calculate the Gibbs energy of formation, Δ_fG°, for both phases giving: Δ_fG° (T = 298 K, K₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂], cr) = (−3747 ± 8) kJ · mol⁻¹ and Δ_fG° (T = 298 K, Rb₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)], cr) = −3736 ± 5 kJ · mol⁻¹. Smoothed С_р°(Т) values between 0 K and 320 K are presented, along with values for S° and the functions [H°(T) − H°(0)] and [G°(T) − H°(0)], for both phases. The stability behaviour of various solid phases and solution complexes in the (K₂MoO₄ + UO₃ + H₂O) system with and without CO₂ at T = 298 K was investigated by thermodynamic model calculations using the Gibbs energy minimisation approach.     

Electrografting of amino-TEMPO on graphene oxide and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide for electrocatalytic applications

4-Amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperridine N-oxyl (4-amino-TEMPO), an electroactive nitroxide radical, was attached to the surface of graphene oxide (GO) and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) modified glassy carbon electrode by a simple, rapid and green electrografting method. The electroactive interfaces were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The calculated surface coverage for 4-amino-TEMPO is up to 1.55 × 10^− 9 mol·cm^− 2. The modified electroactive interface exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the electro-oxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).     

In-plane chemical pressure in (U1−yCey)O2 studied by Raman spectroscopy

We investigate the nature of bonding and charge states in (U_1−yCe_y)O₂ (y = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) by Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectrum of UO₂ exhibits two prominent bands below 1000 cm⁻¹, a F_2g mode at 446 cm⁻¹ and a F_1u LO mode at 578 cm⁻¹. As y is increased from 0 to 0.6, the F_1u exhibits a large blue shift of 90 cm⁻¹, and from y = 0.6 to 1.0, a red shift of 54 cm⁻¹. We show that our results can be interpreted as arising from anisotropic compression/relaxation of the lattice under Ce substitution and this can give an indication of its charge states. Alternate interpretations have been given in the literature on the effect of substituents and dopants to the Raman spectra of UO₂ and CeO₂. The present interpretation of chemical stress effects can be taken as another plausible explanation.     

The Local Uranium Environment in Cesium Uranates: A Combined XPS, XAS, XRD, and Neutron Diffraction Analysis

The cesium uranates Cs₂UO₄, Cs₂U₂O₇, Cs₄U₅O₁₇ and Cs₂U₄O₁₂ were studied using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), neutron diffraction, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) in an attempt to couple the crystallographic structure to the uranium valence state using the local uranium environment. The diffraction spectra were used for Rietveld refinement to determine the atomic positions and interatomic distances. These distances were subsequently used in Bond Valence Sum (BVS) calculations to determine the uranium valences. The XAS spectra give direct information on the local uranium environment regarding the U-O distances and the arrangement of the oxygen atoms around the central uranium. The difference between the monovalent uranates and the multivalent Cs₂U₄O₁₂ is clearly established in all spectra, as well as in the crystal structures. The different valences present can be assigned to individual uranium lattice sites, but some amount of disorder is required to balance the charges.     

Crystal structures of Th(OH)PO4, U(OH)PO4 and Th2O(PO4)2. Condensation mechanism of MIV(OH)PO4 (M = Th,U) into M2O(PO4)2

Three new crystal structures, isotypic with β-Zr₂O(PO₄)₂, have been resolved by the Rietveld method. All crystallize with an orthorhombic cell (S.G.: Cmca) with a = 7.1393(2) Å, b = 9.2641(2) Å, c = 12.5262(4) Å, V = 828.46(4) Å³ and Z = 8 for Th(OH)PO₄; a = 7.0100(2) Å, b = 9.1200(2) Å, c = 12.3665(3) Å, V = 790.60(4) Å³ and Z = 8 for U(OH)PO₄; a = 7.1691(3) Å, b = 9.2388(4) Å, c = 12.8204(7) Å, V = 849.15(7) Å³ and Z = 4 for Th₂O(PO₄)₂. By heating, the M(OH)PO₄ (M = Th, U) compounds condense topotactically into M₂O(PO₄)₂, with a change of the environment of the tetravalent cation that lowers from 8 to 7 oxygen atoms. The lower stability of Th₂O(PO₄)₂ compared to that of U₂O(PO₄)₂ seems to result from this unusual environment for tetravalent thorium.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and electrical characterization of Cs4[(UO2)2(V2O7)O2], a uranyl divanadate with chains of corner-sharing uranyl square bipyramids

A new cesium uranyl vanadate Cs₄[(UO₂)₂(V₂O₇)O₂] has been synthesized by solid-state reaction and its structure determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic symmetry with space group Pmmn and following cell parameters: a=8.4828(15) Å, b=13.426(2) Å and c=7.1366(13) Å, V=812.8(3) Å³, Z=2 with ρ_mes=5.39(2) g/cm³ and ρ_cal=5.38(1) g/cm³. A full-matrix least-squares refinement on the basis of F² yielded R₁=0.027 and wR₂=0.066 for 62 parameters with 636 independent reflections with I⩾2σ(I) collected on a BRUKER AXS diffractometer with MoKα radiation and a charge-coupled device detector. The crystal structure is characterized by _∞²[(UO₂)₂(V₂O₇)O₂]⁴⁻ corrugated layers parallel to (001). The layers are built up from distorted (UO₂)O₄ octahedra and divanadate V₂O₇ units resulting from two VO₄ tetrahedra sharing corner. The distorted uranyl octahedra (UO₂)O₄ are linked by corners to form infinite _∞¹[UO₅]⁴⁻ chains parallel to the a-axis. These chains are linked together by symmetrical divanadate units sharing two corners with each chain, the two last corners being oriented towards the same interlayer. The cohesion of the structure is assured by interlayer Cs⁺ ions. Their mobility within the interlayer space gives rise to a cationic conductivity with an important jump between 635°C and 680°C. Cs₄[(UO₂)₂(V₂O₇)O₂] is readily decomposed by water at 60°C to form the Cs-carnotite analog Cs₂(UO₂)₂(V₂O₈) compound.     

Uranium(VI) bis(imido) disulfonamide and dihalide complexes: Synthesis density functional theory analysis

Novel cis- and trans-bis(imido) uranium disulfonamide derivatives have been prepared from iodide metathesis reactions between two equivalents of K[N(Me)(SO₂Ar’)] (Ar’ = 4-Me-C₆H₄) and U(N^tBu)₂(I)₂(L)_x (L = OPPh₃, x = 2; Me₂bpy, x = 1; Me₂bpy = 4,4’-dimethyl-2,2’-bipyridyl). These bis(amide) derivatives serve as useful precursors for the synthesis of the trans-diphenolate complex U(N^tBu)₂(O-2-^tBuC₆H₄)₂(OPPh₃)₂ (5), cis- and trans-dithiolate complexes U(N^tBu)₂(SPh)₂(L)_x (L = OPPh₃ (6); Me₂bpy (7)), and cis- and trans-dihalide complexes with the general formulas U(N^tBu)₂(X)₂(L)_x (X = Cl, L = OPPh₃ (8), L = Me₂bpy (10); X = Br, L = OPPh₃ (9), L = Me₂bpy (11)). DFT calculations performed on the trans-dihalide series U(N^tBu)₂(X)₂(L)₂ and the UO₂²⁺ analogues UO₂X₂(OPPh₃)₂ suggest that the uranium centers in the [U(N^tBu)₂]²⁺ ions possess more covalent character than analogous UO₂²⁺ derivatives but that the U-X bonds in the U(N^tBu)₂X₂L₂ complexes possess a more ionic nature.     

A novel all-solid-state thin-film-type lithium-ion battery with in situ prepared positive and negative electrode materials

A novel all-solid-state thin-film-type rechargeable lithium-ion battery employing in situ prepared both positive and negative electrode materials is proposed. A lithium-ion conducting solid electrolyte sheet of Li₂O–Al₂O₃–TiO₂–P₂O₅-based glass–ceramic manufactured by OHARA Inc. (OHARA sheet) was used as the solid electrolyte, which was sandwiched by Cu and Mn metal films. The Cu/OHARA sheet/Mn layer became an all-solid-state lithium-ion battery after applying d.c. 16 V to the layer, and the resultant battery operated at 0.3–0.8 V with reversible capacity of 0.45 μAh cm^?2. High voltage battery was successfully prepared by applying the d.c. high voltage to a five-series of Cu/OHARA sheet/Mn layer, resulting in all-solid-state battery operating at 1.5–4.0 V. The proposed fabrication process will become a new technology to develop advanced all-solid-state rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.     

Amperometric sensor for hydrogen peroxide based on direct electron transfer of spinach ferredoxin on Au electrode

A protein-based electrochemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was developed by an easy and effective film fabrication method where spinach ferredoxin (Fdx) containing [2Fe–2S] metal center was cross linked with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) on a gold (Au) surface. The surface morphology of Fdx molecules on Au electrodes was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were employed to study the electrochemical behavior of adsorbed Fdx on Au. The interfacial properties of the modified electrode were evaluated in the presence of Fe(CN)₆^3?/4? redox couple as a probe. From CV, a pair of well-defined and quasi-reversible redox peaks of Fdx was obtained in 10 mM, pH 7.0 Tris–HCl buffer solution at ?170 and ?120 mV respectively. One electron reduction of the [2Fe-2S]²⁺ cluster occurs at one of the iron atoms to give the reduced [2Fe-2S]⁺. The formal reduction potential of Fdx ca. ?150 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl electrode) at pH 7.0. The electron-transfer rate constant, k_s, for electron transfer between the Au electrode and Fdx was estimated to be 0.12 s^?1. From the electrochemical experiments, it is observed that Fdx/MUA/Au promoted direct electron transfer between Fdx and electrode and it catalyzes the reduction of H₂O₂. The Fdx/MUA/Au electrode displays a linear increase in amperometric current for increasing concentration of H₂O₂.The sensor calibration plot was linear with r² = 0.998 with sensitivity approximately 68.24 μAm M^?1 cm^?2. Further, the effect of nitrite on the developed sensor was examined which does not interfere with the detection of H₂O₂. Finally, the addition of H₂O₂ on MUA/Au electrode was observed which has no effect on amperometric current.     

Physicochemical studies on cross-linked thorium(IV)–alginate complex especially the electrical conductivity and chemical equilibrium related to the coordination geometry

The electrical conductivity of cross-linked thorium(IV)–alginate complex in the form of circular disc has been investigated as a function of temperature. The Arrhenius plot of log σ vs. 1/T showed a simple parabolic shape at the early stages, followed by a sharply increase in o values with raising the temperature at the final stages. This behaviour was interpreted by the formation of free-radicals at the initial stages, followed by the degradation of the complex at elevated temperatures to give rise to thorium oxide product. The heterogeneous chemical equilibrium for exchange of Th⁴⁺ counter ions in the complex by H⁺ ions has been investigated by titrimetric and complexometric techniques. The thermodynamic equilibrium constant was found to be 26 ± 0.25 dm⁹ mol^?3 at 25 °C. The X-ray diffraction pattern indicated that thorium(IV)–alginate complex is amorphous in nature. Infrared absorption spectra indicated that Th⁴⁺ is chelated to alginate macromolecular chains and displayed υ_s OCO^? and υ_as OCO^? in the ranges of 1419 and 1635 cm^?1, respectively. A geometrical structure for chelation of thorium(IV) to the functional groups of alginate macromolecule is suggested and discussed in terms of complex stability.     

Über Perowskitphasen in den Systemen BaO–SE2O3–UO2,x mit SE = Seltene Erden,La und Y. II. Verbindungen der Zusammensetzung Ba2(SE0,67U0,33)UO6,17

In the BaO–SE₂O₃–UO_2.x system the formation of the compounds Ba₂(SE_0,67U_0.33)UO_6.17 is observed. They crystallize in a pseudocubic ordered perovskite lattice, and contain tetravalent and pentavalent uranium in the ratio 1:3. Their magnetic and spectroscopic properties are reported.     

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methanol in the presence of pyridoxine (vitamin B6)

Experiments aimed at ameliorating carbon dioxide (CO₂) into methanol were explored using pyridoxine, a member of the vitamin B₆ family, to enhance the reduction process. At a platinum electrode, an aqueous solution (pH ≈ 5) of pyridoxine showed a quasi-reversible redox couple with the cathodic peak detected at ca. − 0.55 V vs. Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl) in the presence of CO₂ and argon. An increase in the corresponding cathodic peak current was observed following saturation of the solution with CO₂ using a Pt electrode, but with no detectable reduction current recorded at a glassy carbon electrode for the same system. Confirmation of methanol formation during the pyridoxine-assisted CO₂ reduction was conducted by using gas chromatography analysis of the electrolyzed solutions and faradic yields of ca. 5% were afforded. A combination of the results from the cyclic voltammetry and constant current chronopotentiometry experiments revealed an overpotential of ≤ 200 mV was required. The results indicate a potential utility of pyridoxine as an alternative reagent to the more toxic pyridine during the electrochemical reduction of CO₂.     

The melting behaviour of uranium/neptunium mixed oxides

The melting behaviour in the pseudo-binary system (UO₂ + NpO₂) has been studied experimentally for the first time in this work with the help of laser heating under controlled atmosphere. It has been observed that the solidus and liquidus lines of this system follow an ideal solution behaviour (negligible mixing enthalpy) between the well-established solid/liquid transition temperatures of pure UO₂ (3130 K) and that recently assessed for NpO₂ (T = 3070 K). Pre- and post-melting material characterizations performed with the help of X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy are also consistent with ideal mixing of the two end members. Such behaviour follows the similar structure and bonding properties of tetravalent uranium and neptunium and the similar melting points of the two oxides. The interest of this investigation is twofold. From a technological viewpoint, it indicates that the incorporation of NpO₂ in UO₂ fuel or transmutation targets is a viable option to recycle neptunium without inducing any relevant change in the chemical or thermal stability of the uranium dioxide matrix, even up to the melting point. From a more fundamental perspective, it confirms that actinide dioxides, and particularly UO₂, tend to mix in a way closer to ideal, the closer are the atomic numbers, 5-f electron shell filling, atomic radii and oxygen potentials of the metals forming the pure dioxides.     

Determination of oxygen in ternary uranium oxides by a gravimetric alkaline earth addition method

The applicability of a gravimetric method based on alkaline earth metal addition for the determination of oxygen in ternary uranium oxides of the type M—U—O (M=La, Ce and Th) is described. The oxide sample is mixed with MgO or Ba_2.8UO_5.8 and heated in air under suitable conditions. Because uranium is completely oxidized to the hexavalent state during the reaction, oxygen can be determined from the weight change. Oxygen in La_yU_1-y O_2+x is determined up to y = 0.8 with a standard deviation for x of ±0.006 with MgO. For Th_yU_1-y O_2+x, the value of x is determined with Ba_2.8UO_5.8 with a standard deviation of ±0.01 at y = 0.8. For Ce_yU_1-y O_2+x, the method can be applied only for low cerium concentrations where y = 0–0.2; the value for x with Ba_2.8UO_5.8 at y = 0.2 showed a standard deviation of ±0.002.     

A new composite electrode of Ni-Ferrite/TiOx/Si(111): Preparations and photoelectrochemical studies

A composite electrode of Ni-ferrite/TiO_x/Si(111) was synthesized by grafting Ni²⁺Fe²⁺Fe³⁺–LDH–TiCl₃ (LDH: Layered Double Hydroxides) on n-Si(111) surface and calcined under 1100 °C. Photoelectric research results indicated that the electrode had good photovoltaic effects in an electrolyte solution containing 7.6 M HI and 0.05 M I₂, while platinum plate was used as counter-electrode. The observed photo-voltages (U_pv) and photocurrent densities (j_pc) of the electrode were at ?0.75 V and 5.35 mA/cm², respectively. Compared with electrodes of oxidized n-Si(111) crystal and n-Si(111) wafer covered by Ni-ferrites, j_pc of the electrode Ni-ferrite/TiO_x/Si(111) was increased greatly.