Kinetics of Triscarbonato Uranyl Reduction by Aqueous Ferrous Iron: A Theoretical Study

Uranium Repartitioning during Microbial Driven Reductive Transformation of U(VI)-Sorbed Schwertmannite and Jarosite

This study exposes U(VI)-sorbed schwertmannite and jarosite to biotic reductive incubations under field-relevant conditions and examines the changes in aqueous and solid-phase speciation of U, Fe, and S as well as associated microbial communities over 180 days. The chemical, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and microscopic data demonstrated that the U(VI)-sorbed schwertmannite underwent a rapid reductive dissolution and solid-phase transformation to goethite, during which the surface-sorbed U(VI) was partly reduced and mostly repartitioned to monomeric U(VI)/U(IV) complexes by carboxyl and phosphoryl ligands on biomass or organic substances. Furthermore, the microbial data suggest that these processes were likely driven by the consecutive developments of fermentative and sulfate- and iron- reducing microbial communities. In contrast, the U(VI)-sorbed jarosite only stimulated the growth of some fermentative communities and underwent very limited reductive dissolution and thus, remaining in its initial state with no detectable mineralogical transformation and solid-phase U reduction/repartitioning. Accordingly, these two biotic incubations did not induce increased risk of U reliberation to the aqueous phase. These findings have important implications for understanding the interactions of schwertmannite/jarosite with microbial communities and colinked behavior and fate of U following the establishment of reducing conditions in various acidic and U-rich settings.

A tetrahedral neptunium(V) complex

Neptunium is an actinide element sourced from anthropogenic production, and, unlike naturally abundant uranium, its coordination chemistry is not well developed in all accessible oxidation states. High-valent neptunium generally requires stabilization from at least one metal-ligand multiple bond, and departing from this structural motif poses a considerable challenge. Here we report a tetrahedral molecular neptunium(V) complex ([Np5+(NPC)4][B(ArF5)4], 1-Np) (NPC = [NPtBu(pyrr)2]-; tBu = C(CH3)3; pyrr = pyrrolidinyl (N(C2H4)2); B(ArF5)4 = tetrakis(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluourophenyl)borate). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, solution-state spectroscopy and density functional theory studies of 1-Np and the product of its proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reaction, 2-Np, demonstrate the unique bonding that stabilizes this reactive ion and establishes the thermochemical and kinetic parameters of PCET in a condensed-phase transuranic complex. The isolation of this four-coordinate, neptunium(V) complex reveals a fundamental reaction pathway in transuranic chemistry.

Exploring the kinetics of actinyl-EDTA reduction by ferrous iron using quantum-mechanical calculations

The reduction of An(vi) (An = U, Np, and Pu) to An(iv) significantly decreases its solubility and mobility. This reaction can be hindered by complexation with inorganic (e.g., carbonate) or organic ligands. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is one such organic ligand that forms stable complexes with actinides. Therefore, it may enhance the mobility of actinides. However, the redox kinetics and mechanisms of actinyl (An(v/vi)O2+/2+)-EDTA are not well characterized yet and are thus studied here using quantum-mechanical calculations. The principle is to approach the actinyl-EDTA and Fe2+ (reductant) in small incremental steps and calculate the system energy at each distance. The overall reaction is then delineated into sub-processes (encounter frequency in bulk solution, formation of outer-sphere complex, transition from outer- to inner-sphere complex, and electron transfer), and reaction rates are determined for each sub-process. The formation of outer-sphere complexes occurs rapidly in microseconds to seconds over a wide range of actinyl concentrations (pM to μM); in contrast, the transition to the inner-sphere complex is relatively slow (milliseconds to a few seconds). Immediate electron transfer to form the pentavalent actinide is observed along the reaction path for Np(vi) and Pu(vi), but not for U(vi). Surprisingly, in acidic conditions, one of the carboxylic groups gets protonated in EDTA of [UO2(edta)]2- rather than one of the amino groups. This process-based series of calculations can be applied to any redox reaction and allows the prediction of changes to the rate law and rate-limiting step in a more fundamental way for different environments.

Ligand-Supported Facile Conversion of Uranyl(VI) into Uranium(IV) in Organic and Aqueous Media

Reduction of uranyl(VI) to U^V and to U^IV is important in uranium environmental migration and remediation processes. The anaerobic reduction of a uranyl U^VI complex supported by a picolinate ligand in both organic and aqueous media is presented. The [U^VI O₂ (dpaea)] complex is readily converted into the cis-boroxide U^IV species via diborane-mediated reductive functionalization in organic media. Remarkably, in aqueous media the uranyl(VI) complex is rapidly converted, by Na₂ S₂ O₄ , a reductant relevant for chemical remediation processes, into the stable uranyl(V) analogue, which is then slowly reduced to yield a water-insoluble trinuclear U^IV oxo-hydroxo cluster. This report provides the first example of direct conversion of a uranyl(VI) compound into a well-defined molecular U^IV species in aqueous conditions.

Resolving the kinetics of individual aqueous reaction steps of actinyl (AnO2 + and AnO2 2+; An=U, Np, and Pu) tricarbonate complexes with ferrous iron and hydrogen sulfide from first principles

The solubility and mobility of actinides (An), like uranium, neptunium, and plutonium, in the environment largely depends on their oxidation states. Actinyls (AnV,VIO2 +/2+ (aq)) form strong complexes with available ligands, like carbonate (CO3 2−), which may inhibit reduction to relatively insoluble AnIVO2(s). Here we use quantum-mechanical calculations to explore the kinetics of aqueous homogeneous reaction paths of actinyl tricarbonate complexes ([AnO2(CO3)3]5−/4−) with two different reductants, [Fe(OH)2(H2O)4]0 and [H2S(H2O)6]0. Energetically-favorable outer-sphere complexes (OSC) are found to form rapidly, on the order of milliseconds to seconds over a wide actinyl concentration range (pM to mM). The systems then encounter energy barriers (E a), some of which are prohibitively high (>100 kJ/mol for some neptunyl and plutonyl reactions with Fe2+ and H2S), that define the transition from outer- to inner-sphere complex (ISC; for example, calculated E a of ISC formation between UO2 + and UO2 2+ with Fe2+ are 35 and 74 kJ/mol, respectively). In some reactions, multiple OSCs are observed that represent different hydrogen bonding networks between solvent molecules and carbonate. Even when forming ISCs, electron transfer to reduce An6+ and An5+ is not observed (no change in atomic spin values or lengthening of An–Oax bond distances). Proton transfer from bicarbonate and water to actinyl O was tested as a mechanism for electron transfer from Fe2+ to U6+ and Pu6+. Not all proton transfer reactions yielded reduction of An6+ to An5+ and only a few pathways were energetically-favorable (e. g. H+ transfer from H2O to drive Pu6+ reduction to Pu5+ with ΔE = −5 kJ/mol). The results suggest that the tricarbonate complex serves as an effective shield against actinide reduction in the tested reactions and will maintain actinyl solubility at elevated pH conditions. The results highlight reaction steps, such as inner-sphere complex formation and electron transfer, which may be rate-limiting. Thus, this study may serve as the basis for future research on how they can be catalyzed by a mineral surface in a heterogeneous process.

Neptunium(V) and Uranium(VI) Reactions at the Magnetite (111) Surface

Neptunium and uranium are important radionuclides in many aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle and are often present in radioactive wastes which require long term management. Understanding the environmental behaviour and mobility of these actinides is essential in underpinning remediation strategies and safety assessments for wastes containing these radionuclides. By combining state-of-the-art X-ray techniques (synchrotron-based Grazing Incidence XAS, and XPS) with wet chemistry techniques (ICP-MS, liquid scintillation counting and UV-Vis spectroscopy), we determined that contrary to uranium(VI), neptunium(V) interaction with magnetite is not significantly affected by the presence of bicarbonate. Uranium interactions with a magnetite surface resulted in XAS and XPS signals dominated by surface complexes of U(VI), while neptunium on the surface of magnetite was dominated by Np(IV) species. UV-Vis spectroscopy on the aqueous Np(V) species before and after interaction with magnetite showed different speciation due to the presence of carbonate. Interestingly, in the presence of bicarbonate after equilibration with magnetite, an unknown aqueous NpO2+ species was detected using UV-Vis spectroscopy, which we postulate is a ternary complex of Np(V) with carbonate and (likely) an iron species. Regardless, the Np speciation in the aqueous phase (Np(V)) and on the magnetite (111) surfaces (Np(IV)) indicate that with and without bicarbonate the interaction of Np(V) with magnetite proceeds via a surface mediated reduction mechanism. Overall, the results presented highlight the differences between uranium and neptunium interaction with magnetite, and reaffirm the potential importance of bicarbonate present in the aqueous phase.

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of VI/V reduction potentials of uranyl coordination complexes in non-aqueous solutions

Of particular interest within the +6 uranium complexes is the linear uranyl(vi) cation and it forms numerous coordination complexes in solution and exhibits incongruent redox behavior depending on coordinating ligands. In this study, to determine the reduction potentials of uranyl complexes in non-aqueous solutions, a hybrid density functional theory (DFT) approach was used in which two different DFT functionals, B3LYP and M06, were applied. Bulk solvent effects were invoked through the conductor-like polarizable continuum model. The solute cavities were described with the united-atom Kohn-Sham (UAKS) cavity definition. Inside the cavity the dielectric constant matches the value of a vacuum and outside the cavity the dielectric constant value is the same as that of the solvent of interest, for example, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF), dichloromethane (DCM), acetonitrile and pyridine. With the help of the Nernst equation the calculated reduction potentials with respect to the ferrocene (Fc) reference electrode are converted into reduction free energies (RFEs). Uranyl complexes of organic ligands which range from mono- to hexa-dentate coordination modes were investigated in non-aqueous solutions of DMSO, DMF, DCM, acetonitrile and pyridine solutions. The effect of the spin-orbit correction and the reference electrode correction on the RFEs and various methods such as the direct method and the isodesmic reaction model were explored. Overall, our computational determination of RFEs of uranyl complexes in various non-aqueous solutions demonstrates that the RFEs can be obtained within ∼0.2 eV of experimental values.

Mechanisms and Rates of U(VI) Reduction by Fe(II) in Homogeneous Aqueous Solution and the Role of U(V) Disproportionation

Molecular-level pathways in the aqueous redox transformation of uranium by iron remain unclear, despite the importance of this knowledge for predicting uranium transport and distribution in natural and engineered environments. As the relative importance of homogeneous versus heterogeneous pathways is difficult to probe experimentally, here we apply computational molecular simulation to isolate rates of key one electron transfer reactions in the homogeneous pathway. By comparison to experimental observations the role of the heterogeneous pathway also becomes clear. Density functional theory (DFT) and Marcus theory calculations for all primary monomeric species at pH values ≤7 show for UO₂²⁺ and its hydrolysis species UO₂OH⁺ and UO₂(OH)₂⁰ that reduction by Fe²⁺ is thermodynamically favorable, though kinetically limited for UO₂²⁺. An inner-sphere encounter complex between UO₂OH⁺ and Fe²⁺ was the most stable for the first hydrolysis species and displayed an electron transfer rate constant k_et = 4.3 × 10³ s^-1. Three stable inner- and outer-sphere encounter complexes between UO₂(OH)₂⁰ and Fe²⁺ were found, with electron transfer rate constants ranging from k_et = 7.6 × 10² to 7.2 × 10⁴ s^-1. Homogeneous reduction of these U(VI) hydrolysis species to U(V) is, therefore, predicted to be facile. In contrast, homogeneous reduction of UO₂⁺ by Fe²⁺ was found to be thermodynamically unfavorable, suggesting the possible importance of U(V)-U(V) disproportionation as a route to U(IV). Calculations on homogeneous disproportionation, however, while yielding a stable outer-sphere U(V)-U(V) encounter complex, indicate that this electron transfer reaction is not feasible at circumneutral pH. Protonation of both axial O atoms of acceptor U(V) (i.e., by H₃O⁺) was found to be a prerequisite to stabilize U(IV), consistent with the experimental observation that the rate of this reaction is inversely correlated with pH. Thus, despite prevailing notions that U(V) is rapidly eliminated by homogeneous disproportionation, this pathway is irrelevant at environmental conditions.

Identification of simultaneous U(VI) sorption complexes and U(IV) nanoprecipitates on the magnetite (111) surface

Sequestration of uranium (U) by magnetite is a potentially important sink for U in natural and contaminated environments. However, molecular-scale controls that favor U(VI) uptake including both adsorption of U(VI) and reduction to U(IV) by magnetite remain poorly understood, in particular, the role of U(VI)-CO(3)-Ca complexes in inhibiting U(VI) reduction. To investigate U uptake pathways on magnetite as a function of U(VI) aqueous speciation, we performed batch sorption experiments on (111) surfaces of natural single crystals under a range of solution conditions (pH 5 and 10; 0.1 mM U(VI); 1 mM NaNO(3); and with or without 0.5 mM CO(3) and 0.1 mM Ca) and characterized surface-associated U using grazing incidence extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (GI-EXAFS), grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GI-XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the absence of both carbonate ([CO(3)](T), denoted here as CO(3)) and calcium (Ca), or in the presence of CO(3) only, coexisting adsorption of U(VI) surface species and reduction to U(IV) occurs at both pH 5 and 10. In the presence of both Ca and CO(3), only U(VI) adsorption (VI) occurs. When U reduction occurs, nanoparticulate UO(2) forms only within and adjacent to surface microtopographic features such as crystal boundaries and cracks. This result suggests that U reduction is limited to defect-rich surface regions. Further, at both pH 5 and 10 in the presence of both CO(3) and Ca, U(VI)-CO(3)-Ca ternary surface species develop and U reduction is inhibited. These findings extend the range of conditions under which U(VI)-CO(3)-Ca complexes inhibit U reduction.

Diffusion and adsorption of uranyl carbonate species in nanosized mineral fractures

Atomistic simulations were performed to study the diffusion and adsorption of Ca(2)UO(2)(CO3)3 and of some of its constituent species, i.e., UO(2)2+, CO(3)2–, and UO(2)CO3, in feldspar nanosized fractures. Feldspar is important to uranium remediation efforts at the U.S. Department of Energy Hanford site as it has been found in recent studies to host contaminants within its intragrain fractures. In addition, uranyl carbonate species are known to dominate U(VI) speciation in conditions relevant to the Hanford site. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that the presence of the feldspar surface diminishes the diffusion coefficients of all of the species considered in this work and that the diffusion coefficients do not reach their bulk aqueous solution values in the center of a 2.5 nm fracture. Moreover, the MD simulations showed that the rate of decrease in the diffusion coefficients with decreasing distance from the surface is greater for larger adsorbing species. Free energy profiles of the same species adsorbing on the feldspar surface revealed a large favorable free energy of adsorption for UO(2)2+ and UO(2)CO3, which are able to adsorb to the surface with their uranium atom directly bonded to a surface hydroxyl oxygen, whereas adsorption of CO(3)2– and Ca(2)UO(2)(CO3)3, which attach to the surface via hydrogen bonding from a surface hydroxyl group to a carbonate oxygen, was calculated to be either only slightly favorable or unfavorable.

A spectroscopic study of the effect of ligand complexation on the reduction of uranium(VI) by anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AH2DS)

In this paper, the reduction rate of uranyl complexes with hydroxide, carbonate, EDTA, and desferriferrioxamine B (DFB) by anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AH2DS) is studied by stopped-flow kinetic technique under anoxic atmosphere. The apparent reaction rates varied with ligand type, solution pH, and U(VI) concentration. For each ligand, a single largest pseudo −1st order reaction rate constant, k obs, within the studied pH range was observed, suggesting the influence of pH-dependent speciation on the U(VI) reduction rate. The maximum reaction rate found in each case followed the order of OH−>CO3 2−>EDTA>DFB, in reverse order of the trend of the thermodynamic stability of the uranyl complexes and ionic sizes of the ligands. The pH-dependent rates were modeled using a second-order rate expression that was assumed to be dependent on a single U(VI) complex and an AH2DS species. By quantitatively comparing the calculated and measured apparent rate constants as a function of pH, species AHDS3− was suggested as the primary reductant in all cases examined. Species UO2CO3(aq), UO2HEDTA−, and (UO2)2(OH)2 2+ were suggested as the principal electron acceptors among the U(VI) species mixture in each of the carbonate, EDTA, and hydroxyl systems, respectively.

Quantum mechanical calculation of aqueuous uranium complexes: carbonate, phosphate, organic and biomolecular species

BACKGROUND

Quantum mechanical calculations were performed on a variety of uranium species representing U(VI), U(V), U(IV), U-carbonates, U-phosphates, U-oxalates, U-catecholates, U-phosphodiesters, U-phosphorylated N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG), and U-2-Keto-3-doxyoctanoate (KDO) with explicit solvation by H2O molecules. These models represent major U species in natural waters and complexes on bacterial surfaces. The model results are compared to observed EXAFS, IR, Raman and NMR spectra.

RESULTS

Agreement between experiment and theory is acceptable in most cases, and the reasons for discrepancies are discussed. Calculated Gibbs free energies are used to constrain which configurations are most likely to be stable under circumneutral pH conditions. Reduction of U(VI) to U(IV) is examined for the U-carbonate and U-catechol complexes.

CONCLUSION

Results on the potential energy differences between U(V)- and U(IV)-carbonate complexes suggest that the cause of slower disproportionation in this system is electrostatic repulsion between UO2 [CO3]3(5-) ions that must approach one another to form U(VI) and U(IV) rather than a change in thermodynamic stability. Calculations on U-catechol species are consistent with the observation that UO2(2+) can oxidize catechol and form quinone-like species. In addition, outer-sphere complexation is predicted to be the most stable for U-catechol interactions based on calculated energies and comparison to 13C NMR spectra. Outer-sphere complexes (i.e., ion pairs bridged by water molecules) are predicted to be comparable in Gibbs free energy to inner-sphere complexes for a model carboxylic acid. Complexation of uranyl to phosphorus-containing groups in extracellular polymeric substances is predicted to favor phosphonate groups, such as that found in phosphorylated NAG, rather than phosphodiesters, such as those in nucleic acids.

Fluorescence properties of a uranyl(V)-carbonate species [U(V)O(2)(CO(3))(3)](5-) at low temperature

Fluorescence properties of a uranyl(V)-carbonate species in solution are reported for the first time. The fluorescence characteristics of the stable aqueous uranyl(V)-carbonate complex [U(V)O(2)(CO(3))(3)](5-) was determined in a frozen solution (T=153K) of 0.5mM uranium and 1.5M Na(2)CO(3) at pH 11.8 by time resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS). Two different wavelengths of 255nm and 408nm, respectively were used to independently of each other excite the uranyl(V)-carbonate species. The resulting U(V) fluorescence emission bands were detected between 380nm and 440nm, with a maxima at 404.7nm (excitation with 255nm) and 413.3nm (excitation with 408nm), respectively. It was found that by using an excitation wavelength of 255nm the corresponding extinction coefficient was much higher and the fluorescence spectrum better structured than the ones excited at 408nm. The fluorescence lifetime of the uranyl(V)-carbonate species was determined at 153K as 120micros. TRLFS investigations at room temperature, however, showed no fluorescence signal at all.

Catalytic cycles for the reduction of [UO2]2+ by cytochrome c7 proteins proposed from DFT calculations

The mechanism of the reduction of the hydrated uranyl cation, [UO2](2+), by the cytochromes G. sulfurreducens and D. acetoxidans has been studied using density functional theory calculations. We propose that the initial electron transfer step from the heme is to a cation-cation complex in the case of D. acetoxidans, but for G. sulfurreducens, it is to a single uranyl cation, which then forms a U(V)-U(VI) complex with a second uranyl cation. For both enzymes, the subsequent catalytic pathways are very similar. A U(V)-U(V) complex is formed, which then undergoes disproportionation via two successive protonation steps of one uranyl group, to give a U(VI)-U(IV) complex which dissociates to individual U(VI) and U(IV) species, the former being bound at the enzyme active site. Intermediate structures along the catalytic pathway are consistent with EXAFS data.