Synergic extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) in N,N -dioctyl-2-hydroxyacetamide-bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid solvent system

Elucidation of the extraction of trivalent actinides using the DOHyA-HDEHP system: an experimental and theoretical approach

A combined solvent system composed of an acidic and a neutral extractant is demonstrated as an effective system for the mutual separation of lanthanides and actinides from nitric acid solutions. The geometry and stability of various possible complexes formed under extraction and stripping conditions in a combined solvent system composed of N,N-dioctyl hydroxyacetamide (DOHyA) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) in the n-dodecane medium were studied both experimentally and theoretically. Experimental observations of the distribution ratios of Am(III) and Eu(III) in the combined solvent system revealed synergistic extraction of trivalent metal ions at all nitric acid concentrations. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to understand the geometric and electronic properties of the ligands and their corresponding complexes with Am(III) and Eu(III). The calculated results indicate that the feasibility and behaviour of complex formation in the combined solvent system using different methods are based on the energetic aspects of the formation reactions. The study also reveals the participation of the neutral and acid extractants in the combined solvent system facilitating the separation of Eu(III) and Am(III) from high-level liquid waste.

Support loading effects on the performance of an extraction chromatographic resin: Toward improved separation of trivalent lanthanides

Changes in the level of impregnation of an Amberchrom CG-71m support with bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) are shown to alter the column efficiency, peak tailing, and metal ion uptake capacity associated with the resulting extraction chromatographic resins. Optimum efficiency and minimum peak tailing are observed at intermediate levels (ca. 20% (w/w)) of support loading. Metal ion uptake capacity is reduced relative to a commercial (loaded to 40% (w/w)) resin under the same conditions, however. The utility of the improved efficiency arising from reduced support loading is illustrated in the separation of selected trivalent lanthanide ions, including Gd(III) and Eu(III), whose resolution is unsatisfactory using commercial extraction chromatographic materials.

Molecular Insights into Water Clusters Formed in Tributylphosphate-Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric Acid Extractant Systems from Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and tributylphosphate (TBP) are two of the most studied and researched organophosphorous extractants. D2EHPA is an acidic extractant, offering both hydrogen bond donor and acceptor sites while TBP, a neutral extractant, only offers a single acceptor site per molecule. In spite of this, it is observed that 1 M D2EHPA in dodecane is a poorer extractant for water than 1 M TBP in dodecane. The objective of present work is to look into the molecular interactions that cause such behavior. Experiments were carried out with varying molar ratios of TBP and D2EHPA in the organic dodecane phase. Total extractant concentration was kept constant at 1 M with dodecane as diluent. Water extraction was quantified by measuring the moisture content of the organic phase after equilibration. ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectra of the organic phase samples were recorded to study the change in the chemical environment upon extraction. Small angle X-ray scattering data of water saturated extractant phases were analyzed for the possibility of a reverse micellar aggregate formation. Molecular dynamics simulations could calculate free energies in quantitative agreement with experiments. Experimental and simulation studies showed that aggregation in the organic phase was promoted by the presence of water. This combined approach, of experiments and simulation, has shown that water is indispensable for the formation of ordered aggregates of extractants in nonpolar organic solvents. It is seen that, in the organic phase, around 80% of water's hydrogen bonds are with extractant molecules rather than with itself. The analysis clearly indicates that, rather than forming an aqueous core surrounded by extractant, water acts as a bridge between extractant molecules.

Investigations on the complete removal of iron(III) interference on the uranium(VI) extraction from sulfate leach liquor using Alamine 336 in kerosene

Uranyl sulfate obtained by uranium ore leaching of an industrial sample deposit of Gachin site was used for uranium separation by the solvent extraction technique. The presence of other elements in the sulfate leach liquors has a negative impact on the uranium extraction process using Alamine 336; therefore, the operating costs are increased. In this study, the separation of uranium(VI) and iron(III) by Alamine 336 and kerosene have been examined as an extractant and a diluent, respectively. For this purpose, the effects of operating parameters on the extraction process such as Alamine 336 concentration, modifier concentration, contact time, initial aqueous pH, sulfate ion concentration, temperature, and stripping agents were investigated. Also, the complete removal of iron(III) interference from the sulfate leach liquor before the extraction step has been studied with reducing agents. The equilibrium constants and stoichiometric coefficients for uranium and iron extraction with Alamine 336 in the sulfate leach liquors were calculated. Likewise, the values of the thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs energy, enthalpy and entropy were determined to prove the exothermic and spontaneous reactions. The mentioned procedure is proposed for the uranium separation from the impurities in the sulfate ores using tertiary amine for production of purified uranium.

Ligands for f-element extraction used in the nuclear fuel cycle

This review describes the latest advances regarding the development, modification and application of suitable ligands for the liquid–liquid extraction of actinides and lanthanides from nuclear waste.