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Ablott TA, Lu KT, Zhang Y. Incorporating Transition Metal Ions into Uranium Oxide Hydrates: The Role of Zn(II) and the Effect of the Addition of Cs(I) Ions. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:38284-38294. [PMID: 39281919 PMCID: PMC11391564 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c06188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
The synthesis of two zinc-bearing uranium oxide hydrate (UOH) materials has been achieved, and their crystal structures, obtained via single-crystal X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation, and additional structural and spectroscopic properties are reported herein. Although both structures incorporate Zn2+ cations, the two differ significantly. The compound Zn2(OH)2(H2O)5[(UO2)10UO14(H2O)3] (UOHF-Zn), forming a framework-type structure in the P1̅ space group, was composed of β-U3O8 layers pillared by uranyl polyhedra, with the Zn2+ cations incorporated within the framework channels. In contrast, the compound Cs2Zn(H2O)4[(UO2)4O3(OH)4]2·3H2O (UOH-Zn) crystallized in the Cmc21 space group with a schoepite-like uranyl oxide hydroxide layered topology and both Zn2+ and Cs+ cations making up the interlayer species. The apparent driving force for the differences in the structures was the change from KOH to CsOH during synthesis, with the smaller K+ ions excluded in lieu of a higher proportion of Zn2+ (U/Zn ratio of 5.5:1) in UOHF-Zn, whereas in UOH-Zn, the larger Cs+ ions were preferentially incorporated at the expense of fewer Zn2+ cations (U/Cs/Zn ratio of 8:2:1). Highlighted in this work is the effect of the chemical species and, in particular, their ionic radius on UOH formation, further improving the understanding of UO2 alteration in the setting of deep geological repositories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Ablott
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, New South Wales 2232, Australia
| | - Kimbal T Lu
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, New South Wales 2232, Australia
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, New South Wales 2232, Australia
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Zhang Y, Ablott TA, Nicholas MK, Karatchevtseva I, Plášil J. Capturing ammonium nitrate in a synthetic uranium oxide hydrate phase: revealing the role of ammonium ions and anion inclusions. Dalton Trans 2024; 53:11112-11119. [PMID: 38887085 DOI: 10.1039/d4dt01372g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Although uranium oxide hydrate (UOH) minerals and synthetic phases have been extensively studied, the role of ammonium ions in the formation of UOH materials is not well understood. In this work, the stabilization of a synthetic UOH phase with ammonium ions and the inclusion of ammonium nitrate were investigated using a range of structural and spectroscopic techniques. Compound (NH4)2(NO3)[(UO2)3O2(OH)3] (U-N1) crystallises in the orthorhombic Pmn21 space group, having a layered structure with typical α-U3O8 type layers and interlayer (NH4)+ cations as well as (NO3)- anions. The presence of uranyl, (NH4)+ cations and (NO3)- anions were further confirmed with a combination of FTIR and Raman spectroscopies through characteristic vibrational modes. The roles of the (NH4)+ cations for charge compensation and facilitating the inclusion of (NO3)- anions via hydrogen bonding were revealed and discussed. The findings have implications for uranium geochemistry, reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel and possible spent nuclear fuel alteration pathways under geological disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Zhang
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia.
| | - Timothy A Ablott
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia.
| | - Maria K Nicholas
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia.
| | - Inna Karatchevtseva
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia.
| | - Jakub Plášil
- Department of Structure Analysis, Institute of Physics of the CAS, Na Slovance 2, Praha 8, 182 00, Czech Republic
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Zhang Y, Lu KT, Ablott TA, Zheng R. Uranium Oxide Hydrate Frameworks with Dy(III) or Lu(III) Ions: Insights Into the Framework Structures With Lanthanide Ions. Chem Asian J 2024:e202400101. [PMID: 38629889 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202400101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
Two uranium oxide hydrate frameworks (UOHFs) with either Dy3+ or Lu3+ ions, Dy1.36(H2O)6[(UO2)10UO13(OH)4] (UOHF-Dy) or Lu2(H2O)8[(UO2)10UO14(OH)3] (UOHF-Lu), were synthesized hydrothermally and characterized with a range of structural and spectroscopic techniques. Although SEM-EDS analysis confirmed the same atomic ratio of ~5.5 for U : Dy and U : Lu, they displayed different crystal morphologies, needles for UOHF-Dy in the orthorhombic C2221 space group and plates for UOHF-Lu in the triclinic P-1 space group. Both frameworks are composed of β-U3O8 type layers linked by pentagonal bipyramidal uranium polyhedra, with the Dy3+/Lu3+ ions inside the channels. However, the arrangements of Dy3+/Lu3+ ions are different, with disordered Dy3+ ions well aligned at the centers of the channels and single Lu3+ ions well-separated in a zigzag pattern in the channels. While the characteristic vibrational modes were revealed by Raman spectroscopy, the presence of a pentavalent uranium center in UOHF-Lu was confirmed with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The formation of two types of UOHFs with lanthanide ions, high or low symmetry, and the structure trend were discussed regards to synthesis conditions and lanthanide ionic radius. This work highlights the complex chemistry driving the formation of UOHFs with lanthanide ions and has implications to the spent nuclear fuel under geological disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Zhang
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Kimbal T Lu
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
- School of Physics, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Timothy A Ablott
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Rongkun Zheng
- School of Physics, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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Kundrat V, Cohen H, Kossoy A, Bonani W, Houben L, Zalesak J, Wu B, Sofer Z, Popa K, Tenne R. Encapsulation of Uranium Oxide in Multiwall WS 2 Nanotubes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2307684. [PMID: 38126906 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202307684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Uranium is a high-value energy element, yet also poses an appreciable environmental burden. The demand for a straightforward, low energy, and environmentally friendly method for encapsulating uranium species can be beneficial for long-term storage of spent uranium fuel and a host of other applications. Leveraging on the low melting point (60 °C) of uranyl nitrate hexahydrate and nanocapillary effect, a uranium compound is entrapped in the hollow core of WS2 nanotubes. Followingly, the product is reduced at elevated temperatures in a hydrogen atmosphere. Nanocrystalline UO2 nanoparticles anchor within the WS2 nanotube lumen are obtained through this procedure. Such methodology can find utilization in the processing of spent nuclear fuel or other highly active radionuclides as well as a fuel for deep space missions. Moreover, the low melting temperatures of different heavy metal-nitrate hydrates, pave the way for their encapsulation within the hollow core of the WS2 nanotubes, as demonstrated herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojtech Kundrat
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, CZ-61137, Czech Republic
| | - Hagai Cohen
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Anna Kossoy
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Walter Bonani
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC) - Karlsruhe, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Lothar Houben
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Jakub Zalesak
- Chemistry and Physics of Materials, University of Salzburg, Jakob-Haringer-Strasse 2A, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Bing Wu
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, Prague 6, 16628, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Sofer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, Prague 6, 16628, Czech Republic
| | - Karin Popa
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC) - Karlsruhe, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Reshef Tenne
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
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Zhang Y, Lu KT, Wei T, Karatchevtseva I, Zheng R. Filling the gaps of uranium oxide hydrates with magnesium(II) ions: unique layered structures and the role of additional sodium(I) ions. Dalton Trans 2023; 52:17942-17953. [PMID: 37982185 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt03078d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Alkaline earth metal ions play an important role in the formation of secondary uranium minerals due to their abundance in the Earth's crust. Although uranium oxide hydrate (UOH) minerals and synthetic phases with calcium, strontium and barium ions have been investigated, their counterparts with magnesium ions are much less studied. In this work, synthetic UOH materials with magnesium ions have been investigated with three new compounds being synthesised and characterised. Compound Mg2(H3O)2(H2O)6[(UO2)3O4(OH)]2 (U-Mg1 with a U : Mg ratio of 3 : 1) crystallises in the monoclinic P21/c space group having a layered crystal structure, constructed by β-U3O8 layers with 6-fold coordinated Mg2+ ions as interlayer cations. Compound Na2Mg(H2O)4[(UO2)3O3(OH)2]2 (U-Mg2p with U : Mg : Na ratios of 6 : 1 : 2) crystallises in the triclinic P1̄ space group having a layered structure, constructed by a unique type of uranium oxide hydroxide layer containing both α-U3O8 and β-U3O8 features, with alternating layers of 6-fold coordinated Mg2+ and 6-/8-fold coordinated Na+ interlayer cations. Compound Na2Mg(H2O)4[(UO2)4O3(OH)4]2 (U-Mg2n with U : Mg : Na ratios of 8 : 1 : 2) crystallises in the triclinic P1̄ space group having a corrugated layer structure, constructed by a unique type of uranium oxide hydroxide layer with mixed 6-fold coordinated Mg2+ and 7-fold coordinated Na+ interlayer cations. The structural diversity in the UOH-Mg system was achieved by adjusting the solution pH using NaOH, highlighting the importance of solution pH control and the additional Na+ ions in the formation of UOH phases. The extra structural flexibility offered by the Na+ ions emphasizes the opportunity for synthesising UOHs with dual-cations to further improve our understanding of the alteration products of spent nuclear fuel under geological disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Zhang
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia.
| | - Kimbal T Lu
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia.
- School of Physics and Advanced Materials, University of Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Tao Wei
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia.
| | - I Karatchevtseva
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia.
| | - Rongkun Zheng
- School of Physics and Advanced Materials, University of Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales 2007, Australia
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Vlahović M, Alil A, Devečerski A, Živojinović D, Volkov-Husović T. Non-Destructive Examination for Cavitation Resistance of Talc-Based Refractories with Different Zeolite Types Intended for Protective Coatings. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:5577. [PMID: 37629868 PMCID: PMC10456682 DOI: 10.3390/ma16165577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
In many industrial processes that include fluid flow, cavitation erosion of different engineering structures (pumps, turbines, water levels, valves, etc.) during their operation is expected. Metallic, ceramic, and composite materials are usual candidates considered for application in such extreme conditions. In this study, the idea is to synthesize refractory ceramic material based on talc with the addition of zeolite for utilization as protective coatings in cavitating conditions. Two talc-based refractories with zeolites from two Serbian deposits were produced. The behaviors of the samples in simulated cavitation conditions were examined by an advanced non-destructive methodology consisting of monitoring mass loss and surface degradation using image analysis compiled with principal component analysis (PCA), interior degradation by ultrasonic measurements, and the microstructure by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Lower mass loss, surface degradation level, and modeled strength decrease indicated better cavitation resistance of the sample with Igros zeolite, whereby measured strength values validated the model. For the chosen critical strength, the critical cavitation period as well as critical morphological descriptors, Area and Diameter (max and min), were determined. A Young's elasticity modulus decrease indicated that surface damage influence progressed towards interior of the material. It can be concluded that the proposed methodology approach is efficient and reliable in predicting the materials' service life in extreme conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Vlahović
- Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 12 Njegoševa St., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Ana Alil
- Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 12 Njegoševa St., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandar Devečerski
- Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 12-14 Mike Petrovića Alasa St., Vinča, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Dragana Živojinović
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, 4 Karnegijeva St., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Tatjana Volkov-Husović
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, 4 Karnegijeva St., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
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Sun Z, Lv P, Zhang J, Zhao J, Deng W, Zhao Y, Cao Y, Jia Y, Si S, Zhang L, Wang T, Chen L. Morphology and chemical composition of Si-ion-irradiated zirconolite glass-ceramic. Ann Ital Chir 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Yudintsev SV, Nickolsky MS, Stefanovskaya OI, Nikonov BS. Crystal Chemistry of Titanates and Zirconates of Rare Earths—Possible Matrices for Actinide Isolation. RADIOCHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1066362222060017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Titanates and zirconates of light rare earth elements (REE): REE2TiO5, REE2Ti2O7, REE4Ti9O24, and REE2Zr2O7, are of interest as matrices for isolating the REE actinide fraction of high-level waste from the reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuel. Data on the incorporation of impurities (Zr, U, Ca) into Nd and La titanates are examined. They display limited isomorphism toward these elements, including by the reaction 2REE3+ ↔ Ca2+ + U4+, which is common for minerals and their synthetic analogues. The reasons for the low solubility of Zr and U in Nd titanates and the role of the crystal chemical factor in the choice of crystalline matrices for the immobilization of the REE actinide fraction are considered.
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Yudintsev SV, Nickolsky MS, Ojovan MI, Stefanovsky OI, Nikonov BS, Ulanova AS. Zirconolite Polytypes and Murataite Polysomes in Matrices for the REE-Actinide Fraction of HLW. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:6091. [PMID: 36079472 PMCID: PMC9458050 DOI: 10.3390/ma15176091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) has been used for more than 30 years for analyzing the structure of minerals and artificial substances. In recent times, EBSD has been widely applied for investigation of irradiated nuclear fuel and matrices for the immobilization of radioactive waste. The combination of EBSD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) methods allows researchers to obtain simultaneously data on a specimen's local composition and structure. The article discusses the abilities of SEM/EDS and EBSD techniques to identify zirconolite polytype modifications and members of the polysomatic murataite-pyrochlore series in polyphase ceramic matrices, with simulations of Pu (Th) and the REE-actinide fraction (Nd) of high-level radioactive waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V. Yudintsev
- Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IGEM RAS), 119017 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maximilian S. Nickolsky
- Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IGEM RAS), 119017 Moscow, Russia
| | - Michael I. Ojovan
- Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IGEM RAS), 119017 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga I. Stefanovsky
- A.N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IPCE RAS), 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris S. Nikonov
- Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IGEM RAS), 119017 Moscow, Russia
| | - Amina S. Ulanova
- Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IGEM RAS), 119017 Moscow, Russia
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