Multivariate processing of atomic-force microscopy images for detection of the response of plasticized polymeric membranes

The possibility of using the atomic-force microscopy as a method for detection of the analytical signal from plasticized polymeric sensor membranes was analyzed. The surfaces of cadmium-selective membranes based on two polymeric matrices were examined. The digital images were processed with multivariate image analysis techniques. A correlation was found between the surface profile of an ion-selective membrane and the concentration of the ion in solution.     

Extraction of europium and americium into phenyltrifluoromethyl sulfone by using hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate in the presence of N,N′-diethyl-N,N′-diphenyl-2,6-dipicolinamide

Extraction of microamounts of europium and americium by a phenyltrifluoromethyl sulfone (FS 13) solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B⁻) in the presence of N,N,N′,N′-tetraethyl-2,6-dipicolinamide (TEtDPA, L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the species HL⁺, \textHL ₂ ⁺ , {\text{HL}}_{ 2}^{ + } , \textML₂^{3 +} {\text{ML}_{2}^{3 +}} and \textML ₃ ³⁺ {\text{ML}_{ 3}^{ 3+}} (M³⁺ = Eu³⁺, Am³⁺) are extracted into the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the cationic complex species in FS 13 saturated with water have been determined. It was found that the stability constants of the corresponding complexes \textEuL_n ³⁺ {\text{EuL}}_{n}^{ 3+ } and \textAmL_n ³⁺ {\text{AmL}}_{n}^{ 3+ }, where n = 2, 3 and L is TEtDPA, in the mentioned FS 13 medium are comparable.     

Extraction of molybdenum and technetium with diamides of dipicolinic acid from nitric acid solutions

The concentration of molybdenum(VI) in dissolved spent nuclear fuel is comparable with the concentrations of Tc, and the minor actinides (Np, Am). Therefore it is of great interest to understand its behavior under conditions imposed by separation processes. The simultaneous extraction ability of ortho, meta, and para isomers of N,N′-diethyl-N,N′-ditolyl-dipicolinamide (EtTDPA) for molybdenum and technetium were investigated in a large range of nitric and hydrochloric acid conditions. Molybdenum shows no increase in extraction at higher concentrations of nitric acid giving a solvate number n=0 with all isomers of EtTDPA, while Mo shows great extractability from HCl. Technetium distribution ratios decrease with increasing concentrations of nitrate showing indication of ion exchange occurring between TcO₄ ⁻ and NO₃ ⁻ anions. Et(m)TDPA and Et(p)TDPA show the greatest extractability, with 60% of the total technetium extracted into the organic phase at 1M HNO₃.     

New Wide Rim Phosphomethylated Calix[4]arenes in Extraction of Americium and Europium

A new series of the cone-shaped tetraalkoxycalix[4]arenes substituted at the wide rim with four phosphomethyl groups have been synthesized by the Arbuzov, Michaelis–Becker and Aterthon–Todd reactions of the chloromethyl or phenylhydrophosphinylmethylcalix[4]arenes. Their binding properties towards Eu³⁺ and Am³⁺ cations were investigated by the liquid–liquid extraction method. Due to the ‘calixarene effect’ the tetraphosphorylated calixarenes are more effective extractants for the metal cations than their acyclic analogs or some industrial extractants such as trialkylphosphinoxides, carbamoylphosphinoxide, bis-2-diethylhexyl phosphoric acid.     

Novel diamides of 2,2′-dipyridyl-6,6′-dicarboxylic acid: synthesis, coordination properties, and possibilities of use in electrochemical sensors and liquid extraction

The procedure was proposed for the synthesis of various dipyridyldiamides. Their various properties in the series of rare-earth elements were studied. The possibility to use the synthe-sized compounds in polymer membranes of electrochemical sensors for the development of novel types of sensors was shown. A comparison of the influence of the ligand structure on the extraction and sensor characteristics was performed.     

Calixarenes functionalized with phosphine oxide and diamide functions as extractants and ionofores for rare-earth metals

Calixarene-based ligands with phosphine oxide and diamide functions at wide and narrow rims are synthesized and studied as extracting agents for liquid extraction and ionophores for polymeric electrochemical ion sensors. Calixarene ligands are compared with corresponding phosphine oxide and diamide ligands which are not attached to the calixarene platform. Extraction and sensor properties of the ligands were studied in different metal ion solution with special attention paid to rare-earth metals. Attachment of phosphine oxide groups to the calixarene platform leads to the sharp increase of both extraction and sensing ability of the corresponding systems comparing to non-bonded phosphine oxide. In case of the diamide derivatives attached to the calixarene performance of corresponding ligands was similar to those of non-bonded diamides.     

Cross-sensitive rare-earth metal sensors based on bidentate neutral organophosphorus compounds and chlorinated cobalt dicarbollide

A new carbon composite electrode material, based on dispersing glassy carbon (GC) microparticles into methyltrimethoxysilane-derived sol, is described in the present paper. The resulting glassy carbon ceramic composite electrodes (GCCEs) combine the electrochemical properties of GC with the advantages of composite electrodes, and thus offer high electrochemical reactivity, low background current and are easy to prepare, modify and renew. The new material has a low double-layer capacitance and a wide potential window. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicate significant difference in the structure of GCCE and carbon ceramic composite electrode (CCE). The electrochemical properties and advantages of GCCE should find broad utility in electroanalysis.     

Extraction of americium and europium from perchloric acid solutions with N,N′-dialkyl-and N,N,N′,N′-tetraalkylpyridine-2,6-dicarboxamides

Extraction of americium and europium from perchloric acid solutions with pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamides was studied. The solvate numbers and Am/Eu separation factors were determined.