Determination of Vanadium(V) and Vanadium(IV) in Bismuth- and Copper-Containing Compounds by Controlled-Potential Coulometry

It was shown that vanadium(V) and vanadium(IV) can be determined at a large Pt electrode in H₂SO₄ solutions in the presence of copper and bismuth by controlled-potential coulometry with RSD no worse than 0.2%. Compounds of the composition Bi₄V_1.8Cu_0.2O_{10.7 – x} were analyzed.     

LIX 84 as an extractant for throium(IV), uranium(VI) and molybdenum(VI)

The extraction order of Th(IV), U(VI) and Mo(VI) based on pH_0.5 values is Mo(VI)>U(VI)>Th(IV). Quantitative extraction has been observed for U(VI) by mixture of 10% (v/v) LIX 84 and 0.1M dibenzoylmethane at pH 4.2 and by mixture of 10% LIX 84 and 0.05M HTTA in the pH range 5.5–7.3 and for Mo(VI) by 10% LIX 84 from chloride media at pH 1.5. The order of extraction of Mo(VI) from 1N acid solutions is HCl>H₂SO₄>HNO₃>HClO₄ and extraction decreases very rapidly with increase in the concentration of HCl as compared to that from H₂SO₄, HNO₃ and HClO₄ acid solutions. The diluents C₆H₆, CCl₄ and CHCl₂ are found to be superior ton-butyl alcohol and isoamyl alcohol for extraction of Mo(VI). Influence of concentration of different anions on the extraction of U(VI) and Mo(VI) has been studied. Very little extraction has been observed in case of Th(IV) by LIX 84 or its mixtures with other chelating extractants or neutral donors.     

Liquid-liquid extraction of molybdenum(VI) and uranium(VI) by LIX 622

The order of extraction of Mo(VI) from 1M acid solutions by 5% (v/v) LIX 622 (HL) in benzene is HCl>HNO₃>HClO₄>H₂SO₄, and extraction decreases with increasing concentration of HCl and H₂SO₄, and increases slightly with increasing concentration of HNO₃ and HClO₄. The extracted species is shown to be MoO₂L₂ as established by IR data of organic extracts and the extracted species in the solid form. Extraction is almost quantitative at and above 10% LIX 622, and is found to be independent of [Mo(VI)] in the range of 10^–4 to 10^–3 M. The diluents CCl₄, CHCl₃ and C₆H₆ are found to be superior to solvents of high dielectric constant for extraction of Mo(VI). Extraction of uranium(VI) by 10% (v/v) LIX 622 in benzene was found to increase with increasing equilibrium pH (3.0 to 6.0), and becomes quantitative at pH 5.9. Tributyl phosphate acts as a modifier up to 2% (v/v). Thorium(IV) is almost not extracted by LIX 622 or its mixture. Separation of Mo(VI) and U(VI) is feasible.     

Synergistic extraction of uranium(VI) and americium(III) with binary mixtures of Aliquat 336 and PC 88A-TOPO from nitric-sulfuric acid medium

Synergism is observed in the extraction of uranium(VI) by the binary mixture of Aliquat 336 and PC 88A (2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester) from 0.5–6M HNO₃ solution showing a maximum at 3M. In H₂SO₄ medium, antagonism at lower acidity and slight synergism at higher acid concentrations have been observed. Synergism occurs in the extraction of Am(III) from nitrate solutions when a mixture of Aliquat 336 and TOPO is used.     

Extraction of molybdenum(VI) by 4-(5-nonyl)pyridine in benzene from aqueous mineral acid solutions containing thiocyanate ions

Extraction of Mo(VI) by 4-(5-nonyl)pyridine (NPy) in benzene from mineral acid solutions containing thiocyanate ions has been investigated at room temperature (23±2°C). From mineral acid (HCl, HNO₃, and H₂SO₄) solutions alone Mo(VI) is not extracted quantitatively while the presence of small amounts of KSCN in the system augments the extraction by a large factor. Stoichiometric studies indicate that ion-pair type complexes (NPyH)₂·[MoO₂(SCN)₄] are responsible for the extraction. Separation factors determined at fixed extraction conditions (0.1M Npy/C₆H₆–0.1M acid +0.2M KSCN) reveal that Ag(I), Cu(II), Co(II), Zn(II), Hg(II) and U(VI) are co-extracted while a clean separation from alkali metals, alkaline earths and some transition metals like Ln(III), Zr(IV), Hf(IV), Cr(III), Cr(VI) and Ir(III) is possible. Some of the complexing anions like oxalate, citrate, acetate, thiosulfate or ascorbate do not affect the degree of extraction of Mo(VI) allowing it to be recovered from diverse matrices.     

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.     

Oxidation of plutonium by cobalt(III) green

A stable green solution of tricarbonatocobaltate(III) has been prepared and used for the redox titrimetric determination of plutonium in HNO₃ medium. Quantitative oxidation could be achieved and excess oxidant could be destroyed by NaNO₂. Pu(VI) was deter-ined by adding known excess of Fe(II) and carrying out potentiometric titration. The precision at the level of 0.5–5.0 mg was 2% RSD.     

Extraction of some elements of the groups IV b and VI b with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-caproyl-pyrazolone-5 (PMCP) from aqueous mineral acid solutions

Solvent extraction of Cr(VI), Mo(VI), W(VI) and Hf(IV) with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-caproyl-pyrazolone-5 (PMCP) in methyl isobutylketone (MIBK), xylene and chloroform (CHCl₃) from mineral acid solutions was studied. Chromium(VI) is not extracted from any of the acids studied (HCl, H₂SO₄ and HClO₄). Molybdenum(VI) is quantitatively extracted by the reagent in xylene and CHCl₃ from HClO₄ and HNO₃ solutions. It is also extracted quantitatively by the reagent in MIBK from HCl, HNO₃ and H₂SO₄ solutions but the participation of the diluent as extractant is considerable. Tungsten(VI) is quantitatively extracted in xylene from 9M HClO₄ solution. MIBK used as diluent also affects its extraction with PMCP. Hafnium(IV) is not extracted from H₂SO₄ solutions while it extracts more than 99% at 3M HNO₃ and above. The extracted species likely are: MoO₂(PMCP)₂, WO₂(PMCP)₂ and Hf(PMCP)₄, respectively.     

Formation of Cr(III) Hydroxides from Chrome Alum Solutions: 1. Precipitation of Active Chromium Hydroxide

The formation of active chromium hydroxide, Cr(OH)₃·3H₂O, was studied through potentiometric titrations and turbidimetric measurements. UV-Vis and IR spectroscopies were also employed to characterize the synthesized solid. The rapid addition of NaOH solution to aqueous chrome alum (KCr(SO₄)₂·12H₂O) solutions caused the immediate precipitation of the active material. Only monomeric Cr(III) species seemed to be participating in the precipitation process; neither chromium polymers nor complexes with anions (SO²⁻₄, Cl⁻, NO⁻₃, ClO⁻₄) influenced the fast formation of Cr(OH)₃·3H₂O. Titration studies allowed the determination of several hydrolysis and precipitation constants for Cr(III). Nevertheless, they cannot be used for the estimate of Cr(OH)⁰₃formation constant.     

Banana peel: A green and economical sorbent for the selective removal of Cr(VI) from industrial wastewater

This study describes the use of banana peel, a commonly produced fruit waste, for the removal of Cr(VI) from industrial wastewater. The parameters pH, contact time, initial metal ion concentration, and temperature were investigated and the conditions resulting in rapid and efficient adsorption (95% within 10 min) were determined. The binding of metal ions was found to be pH dependent with the optimal sorption occurring at pH 2. The retained species were eluted with 5 mL of 2 M H₂SO₄. To elucidate the mechanism of the process, total amounts of chromium and Cr(VI) were analyzed using flame atomic absorption and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopic techniques, respectively. The Langmuir and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherms were used to describe the partitioning behavior for the system at different temperatures. Kinetics and thermodynamics of Cr(VI) removal by banana peel were also studied. The influence of diverse ions on the sorption behavior revealed that only Fe(II) ions (of those tested) suppressed the sorption of Cr(VI) ions to some extent. The method was applied for the removal of Cr(VI) from industrial wastewater.     

Blue Osmium(IV) Sulfite Complex: Synthesis and Study

Blue osmium(IV) sulfite complex Na₄[Os₂(-O)₂(SO₃)₄(H₂O)₄] · 4.5 H₂O was synthesized via the reaction of aqueous solutions containing OsO₄ and equimolar amount of Na₂SO₃ and H₂SO₄ at 50°C and its composition and structure were determined by elemental analysis, X-ray electronic and IR spectroscopies, and thermogravimetric analysis. The compound is X-ray amorphous, insoluble in water but soluble in hydrochloric and sulfuric acids. The electrochemical methods (cyclic voltammetry and potential-controlled coulometry) indicate the complex polymerization in solutions. Under continuous electrolysis at high negative potentials (E _r = –0.10 V), the product under study is depolymerized and the monomeric Os(II) complexes are formed. At a high positive potential (E ₀ = 1.00 V), Os(VI) is formed that disproportionates into Os(IV) and Os(VIII).     

Speciation Analysis of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) after Solid Phase Extraction Using Modified Magnetite Nanoparticles

A new solid phase extraction (SPE) method has been developed for the speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI). This method is based on the adsorption of Cr(VI) on modified alumina‐coated magnetite nanoparticles (ACMNPs). Total chromium in different samples was determined as Cr(VI) after oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) using H₂O₂. The chromium concentration has been determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometric (FAAS) technique and amount of Cr(III) was calculated by substracting the concentration of Cr(VI) from total chromium concentration. The effect of parameters such as pH, amount of adsorbent, contact time, sample volume, eluent type, H₂O₂ concentration and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) concentration as modifier on the quantitative recovery of Cr(VI) were investigated. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the preconcentration factor, detection limit, linear range and relative standard deviation (RSD) of Cr(VI) were 140 (for 350 mL of sample solution), 0.083 ng mL^?1, 0.1‐10.0 ng mL^?1 and 4.6% (for 5.0 ng mL^?1, n = 7), respectively. This method avoided the time‐consuming column‐passing process of loading large volume samples in traditional SPE through the rapid isolation of CTAB@ACMNPs with an adscititious magnet. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination and speciation of chromium in different water and wastewater samples and suitable recoveries were obtained.     

Development of analytical procedures for determination of total chromium by quadrupole ICP–MS and high-resolution ICP–MS,and hexavalent chromium by HPLC–ICP–MS,in different materials used in the automotive industry

A European directive was recently adopted limiting the use of hazardous substances such as Pb, Hg, Cd, and Cr(VI) in vehicle manufacturing. From July 2003 a maximum of 2 g Cr(VI) will be authorised per vehicle in corrosion-preventing coatings of key components. As no standardised procedures are available to check if produced vehicles are in agreement with this directive, the objective of this work was to develop analytical procedures for total chromium and Cr(VI) determination in these materials. The first step of this study was to optimise digestion procedures for total chromium determination in plastic and metallic materials by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). High resolution (HR) ICP–MS was used to examine the influence of polyatomic interferences on the detection of the ⁵²Cr⁺ and ⁵³Cr⁺ isotopes. If there was strong interference with m/z 52 for plastic materials, it was possible to use quadrupole ICP–MS for m/z 53 if digestions were performed with HNO₃+H₂O₂. This mixture was also necessary for digestion of chromium from metallic materials. Extraction procedures in alkaline medium (NH₄⁺/NH₃ buffer solution at pH 8.9) assisted by sonication were developed for determining Cr(VI) in four different corrosion-preventing coatings by HPLC–ICP–MS. After optimisation and validation with the only solid reference material certified for its Cr(VI) content (BCR 545; welding dusts), the efficiency of this extraction procedure for screw coatings was compared with that described in the EN ISO 3613 standard generally used in routine laboratories. For coatings comprising zinc and aluminium passivated in depth with chromium oxides the extraction procedure developed herein enabled determination of higher Cr(VI) concentrations. This was also observed for the screw covered with a chromium passivant layer on zinc–nickel. For coating comprising a chromium passivant layer on alkaline zinc the standardized extraction procedure was more efficient. In the case of painted metallic plate, because of a reactive matrix towards Cr(VI), its extraction without degradation was difficult to perform.     

Simultaneous determination of cobalt and chromium by ion chromatography with chemiluminescence detection and its application to glass analysis

A method is described for the simultaneous determination of very low levels of Co and Cr by high performance ion chromatography coupled with a chemiluminescence detection system. 0.1M K₂SO₄ solutions, adjusted to pH 3.0, were used as eluent to separate Co(II) and Cr(III) between them and from interferents. The detection system was the chemiluminescence of luminol/ H₂O₂ in alkaline medium catalyzed by such transition metals. Using a matrix solution analogous to soda-lime silica glass (dissolved in acids) calibration graphs were linear up to 0.5 ng ml^–1 for cobalt and up to 250 ng ml^–1 for chromium. The corresponding calculated detection limits (3 s) in such matrix were 0.05 ng ml^–1 and 15 ng ml^–1 for Co and Cr, respectively. The relative standard deviations were 1.4% at 0.5 ng ml^–1 Co level and 2.8% at the 200 ng ml^–1 Cr level. No interferences were observed from the more common metals, particularly those present in glass samples. The ion chromatography/ chemiluminescent method proposed has been successfully applied to the analysis of Co and Cr in glasses.     

A novel flow injection chemiluminescence determination of Cr(VI) with Dichlorotris(1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II)

A selective novel reverse flow injection system with chemiluminescence detection (rFI-CL) for the determination of Cr(VI) in presence of Cr(III) with Dichlorotris (1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II), (Ru(phen)₃Cl₂), is described in this work. This new method is based on the oxidation capacity of Cr(VI) in H₂SO₄ media. First, the Ruthenium(II) complex is oxidized to Ruthenium(III) complex by Cr(VI) and afterwards it is reduced to the excited state of the Ruthenium(II) complex by a sodium oxalate solution, emitting light inside the detector. The intensity of chemiluminescence (CL) is proportional to the concentration of Cr(VI) and, under optimum conditions, it can be determined over the range of 3-300 μg L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 0.9 μg L⁻¹. The RSD was 8.4% and 1.5% at 5 and 50 μg L⁻¹, respectively. For the rFI-CL method various analytical parameters were optimized: flow rate (1 mL min⁻¹), H₂SO₄ carrier concentration (20% w/V), Ru(phen)₃Cl₂ concentration (5 mM) and sodium oxalate concentration (0.1 M). The effect of Cr(III), Fe(III), Al(III), Cd(II), Zn(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), Ca(II) and Mg(II), was studied. The method is highly sensitive and selective, allowing a fast, on-line determination of Cr(VI) in the presence of Cr(III). Finally, the method was tested in four different water samples (tap, reservoir, well and mineral), with good recovery percentage.     

Sorption of chromium(VI) and chromium(III) on aluminium hydroxide

Factors that influence the sorption of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) on aluminium hydroxide were investigated. The sorption of chromates decreases as the pH of the suspension increases. The mechanism of CrO ₄ ^2– sorption was interpreted in terms of reactions between chromates and –OH and/or H₂O groups at the hydroxide/liquid interface. It has been shown that chromates are more tightly sorbed on aluminium hydroxide compared to other anions, e.g. chlorides. On the other hand, specifically absorbed anions, such as molybdates, compete strongly with chromates for the sorption sites. The sorption of chromium(III) increases with the pH of the suspension. Also, the sorption of chromium(III) is suppressed in the presence of citrate ions. The best conditions for the fixation of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) by aluminium hydroxide are presented.     

Liquid — Liquid extraction of silver(I) by diphenyl-2-pyridylmethane in benzene from aqueous mineral acid — Thiocyanate solutions

Liquid — liquid extraction of Ag(I) by diphenyl-2-pyridylmethane (DPPM) in benzene from aqueous nitric and sulfuric acid solutions containing thiocyanate ions has been studied at ambient temperature (24±2 °C). The metal is extracted quantitatively from 0.01M HNO₃+0.02M KSCN; or 0.25M H₂SO₄+0.02M KSCN by 0.1M DPPM (optimum extraction conditions). Slope analysis indicates that two types of ion-pair complexes i.e. [(DPPMH)⁺·Ag(SCN) ₂ ^– ] and [(DPPMH) ₂ ⁺ ·Ag(SCN) ₃ ^2– ] are involved in the extraction process. Separation factors determined at optimum conditions reveal the separation of Ag(I) from Cs(I), Br(I), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Fe(III), Au(III) (from HNO₃ solution only), Cr(III), Hf(IV), Ta(V), Sn(IV) and Cr(VI). With the exception of thiosulfate, other complexing anions like ascorbate, acetate, citrate, oxalate do not hinder the extraction of Ag(I) under optimum conditions.     

Application of Tri-n-octylamine for the substoichiometric separation of chromium(VI) in activation analysis

A method has been developed for the substoichiometric separation of Cr(VI) by extraction with tri-n-octylamine solution in benzene from 0.1M H₂SO₄ solution. The method has been applied to the determination of chromium in silicon and aluminium by the neutron activation method.     

Accurate and precise reference method for the determination of chromium in high-alloy steel

Methods for determining chromium in high-alloy steels based on potentiometric titration after oxidation of chromium(III) to chromium(VI) with peroxodisulphate were studied using different dissolution procedures, viz., dissolution in HClHNO₃ and fuming with H₂SO₄H₃PO₄, dissolution in HClHNO₃ and fuming with HClO₄, dissolution in HClHNO₃HF in a microwave oven, fusion in sodium peroxide in a zirconium crucible and dissolution in dilute H₂SO₄ and oxidation with H₂O₂. A back-titration was used with dichromate after addition of solid ammonium iron (II) sulphate.The dissolution procedures were tested on 24 certified reference materials (0.01–3.3% C, 10–325% Cr). All procedures except the second gave good results for samples with ? 0.8% C. For samples with ? 0.8% C, the third and fourth procedures gave significantly higher values and better precisions, and gave the best results for all samples. The relative standard deviations were, with few exceptions, below 0.2%.     

Speciation of Cr(VI)/Cr(III) by electrothermal atomisation AAS after electrodeposition on a L'vov platform

Summary The pyrolysed graphite L'vov platform of a tube furnace is considered as an electrode for the electrodeposition and speciation of chromium by electrothermal atomisation atomic absorption spectrometry (ETA-AAS). Firstly, a preliminary study of the Cr(VI)/Cr(III) voltammetric behavior at pH 4.70 on a glassy-carbon electrode is carried out. Secondly, the L'vov platform is used as a cathodic macro-electrode for the selective preconcentration of Cr(VI)/Cr(III) on a mercury film. Speciation of Cr(VI)/Cr(III) is carried out on the basis of the electrolysis potential (E_e): at pH 4.70 and E_e=–0.30 V, only Cr(VI) is reduced to Cr(III) and accumulated as Cr(OH)₃ by adsorption on a mercury film; at E_e=–1.80 V both Cr(VI) and Cr(III) are accumulated forming an amalgam with added mercury(II) ions. Once the film has been formed, the platform is transferred to a graphite tube to atomise the element. The reliability of the method was tested for the speciation of chromium in natural waters and it proves to be highly sensitive thanks to the electroanalytical step. In all samples, the Cr(VI) concentration was less than the detection limit (0.15 ng ml^–1), and the concentration of Cr(III) agrees with those of total chromium. The analytical recovery of Cr(VI) added to water samples [3.50 ng ml^–1 of Cr(VI)] was 105±6.2%.