Third phase formation studies in the extraction of Th(IV) and U(VI) by N,N-dialkyl aliphatic amides

N,N-dialkyl aliphatic amides with varying alkyl groups have been compared with organophosphorous extractants, tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) for third phase formation behavior during the extraction of Th(IV) and U(VI) from nitric acid medium. Dihexyl decanamide (DHDA) appears to be better in comparison to TBP with respect to third phase formation during thorium extraction. The effects of aqueous phase acidity and the nature of diluents on the third phase formation are studied. The limiting organic phase concentration (LOC) values for U(VI) and Th(IV) with branched chain, di(2-ethylhexyl) isobutyramide (D2EHIBA) increased with ligand concentration, while the critical aqueous concentration (CAC) values of metal ions decreased.     

Compositional Characterization of Organic Phases after the Phase Splitting in the Extraction of Th(NO3)4 by 1.1 M Tri-n-butyl phosphate/n-Alkane

Third phase formation in the extraction of Th(IV) by 1.1 M solutions of tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) in n-decane and n-hexadecane from Th(NO₃)₄ solution in 1 M HNO₃ has been investigated as a function of equilibrium aqueous phase Th(IV) concentration ([Th(IV)]_aq,eq) to estimate the concentrations of Th(NO₃)₄, HNO₃, and TBP in the third phase (TP) and the diluent-rich phase (DP). In this connection, new methods for the estimation of TBP in the organic phases after the phase splitting have been developed by exploiting the linear relationships of the density and refractive index of the solvent, the limiting organic concentration (LOC) for the third phase formation in the extraction of Th(IV) from solution with near-zero free acidity with TBP concentration in the solvent. TBP concentrations estimated by the above-mentioned methods have been validated by nitric acid (8 M) equilibration method. Experimental values for the concentration of TBP in the TP and DP for 1.1 M TBP/n-alkane–Th(NO₃)₄/1 M HNO₃ systems have been compared with the values computed based on a model proposed earlier. In addition, the density of organic phases and the ratio of the volume of the DP to that of the TP have been measured for the above-mentioned systems as a function of [Th(IV)]_aq,eq at 303 K.     

Extraction of Neptunium (IV) Ions into 30% Tri‐Butyl Phosphate from Nitric Acid

The distribution of Np(IV) between 0.08–4.5 M HNO_3(aq,eqm) and ～30% tributyl phosphate has been modelled, accounting for the formation of 1:1 and 1:2 nitrate complexes and Np(IV) hydrolysis in the aqueous phase and the extraction of Np(NO₃)₄(TBP)₂ into TBP. The potential formation and extraction of NpOH(NO₃)₃(TBP)₂ and Np(NO₃)₄(TBP)₂.HNO₃ species, including spectroscopic evidence, and oxidations of Np(IV) to Np(V) and Np(VI) in the solvent phase have also been considered. The model highlights some key gaps in the available thermodynamic data.     

Effect of Uranium on Third Phase Formation in the Pu(IV)-HNO3-TBP-Dodecane System

Abstract

Third phase formation is an important phenomenon which must be taken into account while designing flowsheets for fast reactor fuel reprocessing, since this phenomenon limits the plutonium loadings in the Tri-n-Butyl Phosphate (TBP) phase. In an earlier paper, the limiting organic concentration (LOC) of Pu(IV) above which third phase formation occurs was reported for the Pu(IV)-HNO³-TBP system. In the present work, the effect of uranium on third phase formation in the Pu(IV)-HNO³-30 % TBP-n-dodecane system was studied in detail at different acidities at 303 K. The LOC decreased with organic loading of uranium at all acidities studied.     

DISTRIBUTION BEHAVIOUR OF U(VI), Th(IV) AND Pa(V) FROM NITRIC ACID MEDIUM USING LINEAR AND BRANCHED CHAIN EXTRACTANTS

ABSTRACT

The extraction behaviour of 1M solutions of tri-2-ethylhexyl phosphate (TEHP), di-2-ethyl hexyl isobutyramide (D2EHIBA), tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) and di-n-hexyl hexanamide (DHHA) in n-dodecane towards U(VI), Th(IV) and Pa(V) in the presence of 220 g/L of Th from nitric acid medium has been studied. The limiting organic concentrations (LOC) of thorium (g/L) for 1 M TBP and 1 M DHHA are evaluated as 31, 20 ( at 1 M HNO₃) and 25,13 (at 4 M HNO₃) respectively. The distribution ratio (D) values of U(VI), Th(IV) and Pa(V) in the presence of thorium (220 g/L) at. 1 M HNO₃ suggest that branching in the alky group of amides suppresses the extraction considerably. In view of the selective extraction of U over Th by 5 % TBP in THOREX process at 4 M HNO₃, distribution behaviour is also studied employing a lower concenfration (0·18 M) of extractant for comparison purpose, Separation factor (S. F.) values for U(VI) over Th(IV) under different experimental conditions consistently varied in the order: D2EHIBA > DHHA > TEHP > TBP. The quantitative extraction of ²³³U from a synthetic mixture containing ²³³U (10^?5 M). ²³³Pa (10^?11 M) and thorium (220 g/L) at 1 M HNO₃ using 1 M solution of D2EHIBA in n-dodecane is achieved in three stages, Stripping and reusability studies of D2EHIBA have also been carried out.     

Third Phase Formation in the Extraction of Zirconium(IV) by TRPO in Kerosene

The third phase formation in the extraction of zirconium(IV) from nitric acid media by TRPO(trialkyl phosphine oxide)/kerosene was studied. The limiting organic concentrations (LOC) of Zr(IV) under various experimental conditions were determined. Low temperature and high nitric acid concentrations (> 3 M) were found to facilitate the third phase formation, while increasing the concentration of TRPO or adding phase modifier (TBP) into the organic phase resulted in increased LOC of Zr(IV). When the third phase appeared, the conductivity in the organic phase changed sharply, indicating the change of aggregating behavior in the organic phase. FT-IR spectra were used to illustrate the interaction of TRPO with HNO₃ or Zr(IV), and the composition of the two organic phases indicated by FT-IR spectra was consistent with a diluent-enriched light phase and a zirconium/TRPO-concentrated heavy phase.     

THIRD PHASE FORMATION IN EXTRACTION OF THORIUM NITRATE BY MIXTURES OF TRIALKYL PHOSPHATES

ABSTRACT

This paper reports the results of the studies on third phase formation during the extraction of thorium nitrate from zero free acidity solutions by mixtures of trialkyl phosphates. The phosphates used are tri n-butyl phosphate(TBP), triiso butyl phosphate(TiBP), tri sec butyl phosphate (TsBP) and tri n-amyl phosphate(TAP). The results indicate that small additions of a homologous phosphate can alter the Limiting Organic Concentration (LOC) above which the third phase formation takes place and thus can be advantageously utilised. Use of mixtures of the trialkyl phosphates as extractant can thus obviate the need for adding modifiers such as alcohols to the organic phase for avoiding third phase formation.     

Ethylammonium nitrate enhances the extraction of transition metal nitrates by tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP)

Several molecular polar solvents have been used as solvents of the more polar phase in the solvent extraction (SX) of metals. However, the use of hydrophilic ionic liquids (ILs) as solvents has seldomly been explored for this application. Here, the hydrophilic IL ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), has been utilized as a polar solvent in SX of transition metal nitrates by tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP). It was found that the extraction from EAN is considerably stronger than that from a range of molecular polar solvents. The main species of Co(II) and Fe(III) in EAN are likely [Co(NO₃)₄]²⁻ and [Fe(NO₃)₄]⁻, respectively. The extracted species are likely Fe(TBP)₃(NO₃)₃ and a mixture of Co(TBP)₂(NO₃)₂ and Co(TBP)₃(NO₃)₂. The addition of H₂O or LiCl to EAN reduces the extraction because the metal cations coordinate to water molecules and chloride ions stronger than to nitrate ions. This study highlights the potential of using hydrophilic ILs to enhance SX of metals.     

Third Phase Formation in the Solvent Extraction System Ir(IV)—Cyanex 923

Abstract

The splitting of a system from biphasic to triphasic was studied in the liquid‐liquid extraction of Ir(IV) and HCl using Cyanex 923 (C923). The limiting organic concentrations (LOC) of Ir(IV), which are the maximum possible concentrations of Ir(IV) in the organic phase without the formation of a third phase, were determined under different experimental conditions. The experimental conditions investigated were: concentrations of HCl and NaCl in the aqueous phase, concentrations of C923 and a modifier (tributyl phosphate (TBP) or decanol) in the organic phase, and an organic phase made with different diluents such as n‐octane, n‐nonane, n‐dodecane, kerosene, cyclohexane, toluene, and xylene. The formation of a third phase depends on the concentration of Ir(IV) and HCl in the aqueous phase, as well as on the other experimental conditions. The third phase appeared without Ir(IV) when the concentration of HCl in the equilibrated aqueous phase was 3.5 M and the organic phase contained 10% (v/v) C923/kerosene. The maximum LOC of Ir(IV) was obtained when the initial concentration of HCl in the aqueous phase was 2 M. The LOC of Ir(IV) can be increased though the addition of typical solvent modifiers (such as TBP or decanol) in the organic phase. The LOC of Ir(IV) varied significantly when it was extracted from an aqueous solution containing different concentrations of NaCl. The values obtained for the LOC using different diluents were in the following decreasing order: toluene ≈ xylene>cyclohexane>n‐octane>n‐nonane>kerosene>n‐dodecane. No third phase was detected when toluene and xylene were used as diluents. In the case of cyclohexane, no third phase was observed when the aqueous phase contained 4 M HCl. Spectral studies were performed to investigate the chemical composition of the third phase obtained with Ir(IV)‐HCl‐C923.     

Small‐Angle Neutron Scattering Study of Plutonium Third Phase Formation in 30% TBP/HNO3/Alkane Diluent Systems

Abstract

Third phase formation in the extraction of Pu(IV) nitrate by 30% tri‐n‐butyl phosphate (TBP) dissolved in n‐dodecane or in the highly branched diluent hydrogenated polypropylene tetramer (HPT), which may also be known as 4,4 dipropyl heptane or tétrapropylène hydrogéné, was investigated through small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements. The SANS data were interpreted using the Baxter model for hard‐spheres with surface adhesion. According to this model, the increase in scattering intensity observed when increasing amounts of Pu(NO₃)₄ are extracted into the organic phase, is due to interactions between small reverse micelles containing three to five TBP molecules. In n‐dodecane, the micelles interact through attractive forces between their polar cores with a potential energy of up to ?2.6 k_BT. This strong intermicellar attraction leads to organic phase splitting with the separation of most of the solutes of the original organic phase into a distinct phase containing interspersed layers of n‐dodecane. When HPT is the diluent, the intermicellar attraction energy calculated from the SANS data is much lower, and no third phase formation is observed under comparable chemical conditions. However, when a significant amount of the initial aqueous plutonium is in the form of plutonyl ions, PuO₂ ²⁺, the critical energy potential is reached even in HPT. A potential explanation of the effect of Pu(VI) involves the formation of a plutonyl trinitrato complex.     

Plutonium Third Phase Formation in the 30% TBP/Nitric Acid/Hydrogenated Polypropylene Tetramer System

Abstract

A study on plutonium third phase formation in 30% TBP/nitric acid/hydrogenated polypropylene tetramer (HPT) was performed. Characterization studies of HPT indicate its composition to be a mixture of many highly branched alkanes with a volatility close to n‐undecane. This composition results in about a factor of two better resistance to Pu(IV) third phase formation than dodecane. At 7 M nitric acid in the aqueous phase, the presence of Pu(VI) was observed to substantially reduce the organic phase metal concentration necessary to induce phase splitting in both diluents. Spectroscopic investigation of mixed valence systems also suggest a prominent role for Pu(VI) in the formation of the dense organic phase. Accumulation of Pu(VI) in the heavy phase, as well as certain spectral features, suggest that Pu(VI) is forming a different species, possibly a plutonyl trinitrato, with a strong tendency to form third phase.     

Third Phase Formation in the Extraction of Inorganic Acids by TBP in n‐Octane

Abstract

The extraction of HNO₃, HClO₄, H₂SO₄ and H₃PO₄ by 20% (v/v) TBP (0.73 M) in n‐octane was measured under identical conditions up to and beyond the critical point of third phase formation (Limiting Organic Concentration, or LOC condition). The data, together with those obtained previously for HCl, allowed us to establish the following lyotropic series of effectiveness with respect to third phase formation in the extraction of acids by TBP: HClO₄>H₂SO₄>HCl>H₃PO₄>HNO₃. This series correlates with the amount of water present into the organic phase at the point of phase splitting. This result reinforces the validity of the reverse micellar model developed previously for the extraction of metal salts by TBP. The measurements of LOC values as a function of temperature revealed major differences among the acid‐TBP systems investigated. For HClO₄, the strong increase of the LOC value with increasing temperatures is accompanied by a large favorable entropy change. The opposite is true for HCl, while H₂SO₄ and H₃PO₄ represent intermediate cases. Measurements of the LOC values for the extraction of HClO₄ by TBP dissolved in a series of diluents confirmed that topological parameters, such as the Connectivity Index, CI, are useful for predicting the critical condition for phase splitting in different diluents. Based on the linear correlation between LOC values for HClO₄ and CI values of diluents, the effective Connectivity Index of the French nuclear reprocessing diluent, HTP, a complex mixture of highly branched alkanes, was determined.     

The Influence of Extractant Structure on the Solvent Extraction of Uranium(VI) and Thorium(IV) from Nitrate Media by Dialkyl Sulphoxides

The solvent extraction of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) from sodium nitrate solutions (0·20–6·00 M ) by a series of dialkyl sulphoxides with different structures was studied. For sulphoxides with n-alkyl groups (R₂SO, where R = n-hexyl, n-octyl and n-decyl) using 0·20 M solutions in xylene, the extractions of both uranium and thorium are relatively high, and the values of the separation factor β_Th^U are correspondingly low (≈20). Replacement of an n-hexyl group by a cyclohexyl group has little effect on metal extraction, whilst the introduction of a second cyclohexyl group causes a slight decrease in extraction. Similarly, there is little variation in the extraction of uranium and thorium through the series of asymmetrical compounds RR′SO, where R = n-octyl and R′ = cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cyclooctyl. When two aromatic (phenyl) rings are introduced into the sulphoxide, however, the extraction of both metals falls to zero. For the series of isomeric compounds R₂SO with C₈ alkyl groups, the separation factors increase in the order: R = n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, 2-octyl, 3-octyl, which is also the order of increasing steric bulk of the alkyl group. For these compounds, slope analysis studies are consistent with the formulation of the extracted metal complexes as UO₂(NO₃)₂(R₂SO)₂ and Th(NO₃)₄(R₂SO)₃. © 1997 SCI.     

Studies on Third Phase Formation in the Extraction of Th(NO3)4 by Tri-iso-amyl Phosphate in n-alkane Diluents

Third phase formation in the extraction of Th(NO₃)₄ from its solution with near-zero free acidity by 1.1 M solutions of tri-iso-amyl phosphate (TiAP) in n-dodecane, n-tetradecane, n-hexadecane, and n-octadecane has been investigated as a function of equilibrium aqueous phase Th(IV) concentration at 303 K. Distribution of Th(NO₃)₄ between organic and aqueous phases as well as the variation of densities of organic phases in biphasic and triphasic regions for its extraction by the above-mentioned solvents have been investigated with respect to equilibrium aqueous phase Th(IV) concentration under the above experimental conditions. Data on the ratio of volume of the diluent-rich phase to that of third phase for various TiAP/n-alkane-Th(NO₃)₄-303 K systems have also been generated in the present study. The results obtained are compared with literature data available for tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) and tri-n-amyl phosphate (TAP) systems which were experimented under identical conditions.     

Third Phase Formation in the Extraction of Th(NO3)4 by Tri-n-Butyl Phosphate and Tri-iso-Amyl Phosphate in n-Dodecane and n-Tetradecane from Nitric Acid Media

Binary solutions of tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) or tri-iso-amyl phosphate (TiAP) in n-dodecane or n-tetradecane (1.1 M) as diluents have been investigated for third phase formation in the extraction of Th(NO₃)₄ from its solutions with 1 M or 5 M HNO₃ as a function of equilibrium aqueous phase Th(IV) concentration ([Th(IV)]_aq,eq) at 303 K. Extraction isotherms for the extraction of Th(IV) and HNO₃ have been generated with respect to [Th(IV)]_aq,eq. The difference in density between the third phase and the diluent-rich phase as well as the diluent-rich phase and the pure diluent, ratio of volume of the diluent-rich phase to that of the third phase have also been determined over a wide range of [Th(IV)]_aq,eq in the triphasic region. An attempt has also been made to determine the extractant concentrations in the third phase and the diluent-rich phase in the extraction of Th(NO₃)₄ by the above solvents from its saturated solutions with 1 M and 5 M HNO₃.     

Synergistic Extraction of U(VI), Th(IV), and Lanthanides(III) from Nitric Acid Solutions Using Mixtures of TODGA and Dinonylnaphthalene Sulfonic Acid

The extraction of U(VI), Th(IV), and lanthanides(III) from aqueous nitric acid solutions with mixtures of N,N,N′,N′-tetra(n-octyl)diglycolamide (TODGA) and dinonylnaphtalene sulfonic acid (HDNNS) in n-decane has been investigated. The extraction efficiency of U(VI), Th(IV), and Ln(III) ions is greatly enhanced by addition of HDNNS to an organic phase containing TODGA. The synergistic effect arises from the higher hydrophobicity of U(VI), Th(IV), and Ln(III) extracted species formed by TODGA and DNNS^? anions as compared to those formed by TODGA and NO₃^? ions as counter anions. The synergistic effect for U(VI), Th(IV), and Ln(III) extraction from aqueous nitric acid solutions with mixtures of TODGA and HDNNS becomes weaker when the acidity of the aqueous phase increases. A high synergistic enhancement is accompanied with a high selectivity of Ln(III) extraction from nitric acid solutions.     

Separation of U(VI) and Th(IV) from Nd(III) by Cross-Current Solvent Extraction Mode Using Tri-iso-amyl Phosphate as the Extractant

Separation of U(VI) and Th(IV) from Nd(III) in nitric acid media with solutions of tri-iso-amyl phosphate (TiAP) in n-dodecane has been studied by batch extraction in cross-current mode to evaluate the feasibility of employing TiAP as an alternate extractant to tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) for monazite ore processing. The interference of U(VI), Th(IV), and Nd(III) in the presence of each other during their analyses by titrations has also been validated in the present study. The extraction studies substantiate that the high solvent loading conditions can be achieved without organic phase splitting in the extraction from concentrated feed solutions with TiAP based solvents, whereas TBP forms third phase under such conditions. The separation factor for Th(IV) with respect to Nd(III) can be improved with TiAP as the extractant and by carrying out the extraction with feed solution in 8 M HNO₃. Solvent extraction studies conducted with solutions of U(VI), Th(IV), and Nd(III) in nitric acid media by TBP and TiAP revealed the identical extraction, scrubbing, and stripping behavior of both the extractants with respect to U(VI), Th(IV), and Nd(III). The results insinuate that TiAP can be used as an alternate extractant to TBP for the separation of U(VI) and Th(IV) from monazite ores. The data generated in the present study can be exploited for the development of flow sheets using TiAP based solvents to separate U(VI) and Th(IV) from rare earths for the processing of monazite leach solutions.     

EXTRACTION OF U(VI), Pu(IV) AND Th(IV) BY SOME TRIALKYL PHOSPHATES

ABSTRACT

This paper reports the data on the extraction of U(VI), Pu(IV) and Th(IV) from nitric acid by tri-isobutyl phosphate, tri-n-amyl phosphate, tri-isoamyl phosphate and tri-n-hexyl phosphate and provides a comparison of their extract ion behaviour with that of tri-n-butyl phosphate. Data on the third phase formation in the system Th(NO₃) ₄ ^?HNO₃ ^?1.1 M trialkyl phosphate/n-dodecane are also presented.     

Interpretation of Third Phase Formation in the Th(IV)–HNO3, TBP–n‐Octane System with Baxter's “Sticky Spheres” Model

Abstract

Small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) data for the tri‐n‐butylphosphate (TBP)–n‐octane, HNO₃–Th(NO₃)₄ solvent extraction system, obtained under a variety of experimental conditions, have been interpreted using two different models. The particle growth model led to unrealistic results. The Baxter model for hard‐spheres with surface adhesion, on the other hand, was more successful. According to this model, the increase in scattering intensity in the low Q range observed when increasing amounts of Th(NO₃)₄ are extracted into the organic phase, has been interpreted as arising from interactions between small reverse micelles containing three TBP molecules. Upon extraction of Th(NO₃)₄, the micelles interact through attractive forces between their polar cores with a potential energy of up to about 2 k_BT. The intermicellar attraction, under suitable conditions, leads to third phase formation. Upon phase splitting, most of the solutes of the original organic phase separate in a continuous phase containing interspersed layers of n‐octane.