Studies on the Separation and Recovery of Palladium from Simulated High Level Liquid Waste (SHLW) Solution with Novel Extractant N,N,N′,N′-tetra (2-ethylhexyl) Dithiodiglycolamide DTDGA

The extraction properties of N,N,N',N'-tetra-(2-ethylhexyl) dithiodiglycolamide (DTDGA) have been evaluated for separation and recovery of palladium from simulated high-level liquid waste (SHLW) solution. Extraction of Pd was found to increase with increase in nitric acid concentration up to 4.0 M, above which the extraction remains almost constant. Acid uptake studies show 1:1 stoichiometry between DTDGA and HNO₃ at nitric acid concentration above 3.0 M. The acid uptake constant (K_H) was found to be 0.60 which could be due to the presence of two carbonyl groups of amidic moiety. DTDGA has shown very high extractability and selectivity for Pd over other metal ions present in SHLW. The separation factor (SF) for Pd over other metal ions was found to be more than 10⁴. Almost complete back extraction of palladium from organic phase was achieved with 0.01 M thiourea in 0.1 M nitric acid. Reusability studies of the extractant indicate that D_Pd remains almost constant even after five successive cycles of extraction and stripping. Two extraction stages will be required for complete extraction of 100 mg/L Palladium in 3.0 M nitric acid solution using 0.0025 M DTDGA/n-dodecane solvent system.     

Studies on the use of N,N,N′,N′-Tetra(2-Ethylhexyl) Diglycolamide (TEHDGA) for Actinide Partitioning II: Investigation on Radiolytic Stability

Abstract

N,N,N′,N′-tetra(2-ethylhexyl)diglycolamide (TEHDGA) was found to be a promising extractant for actinide partitioning from high-level waste (HLW) (Part I). In order to evaluate the applicability of TEHDGA to the HLW partitioning process, investigations on its radiolytic stability were carried out. The present work deals with the studies on the uptake of americium by γ-irradiated 0.2 M TEHDGA/n-dodecane in the absence and presence of phase modifiers—di(n-hexyl)octanamide (DHOA), isodecanol and n-decanol—against the absorbed dose up to 1 × 10⁶ Gy in the presence of nitric acid at varying concentrations. The addition of phase modifiers suppressed the radiolysis of TEHDGA in n-dodecane and DHOA was found to be the most effective radiolysis suppressor. Investigations were also carried out on the degradation of neat TEHDGA by γ-irradiation, and it was attempted to isolate and identify its degradation products by instrumental analysis. The radiolysis study showed that the degradation products were formed by the cleavage of the –C-N bond, to eliminate an ethylhexyl group, and the bond adjacent to the ether bond. The results obtained for TEHDGA radiolysis were compared with that of its straight-chain isomer TODGA, and TEHDGA was observed to be more resistant to radiation than TODGA. The changes in the physico-chemical properties of γ-irradiated TEHDGA against the absorbed dose were also investigated.     

Synthesis of Extraction Resin Containing N,N,N′,N′-Tetraisobutyl Diglycolamide and its Application for Separation of Sr(II) from Rb(I)

Abstract

A novel Levextrel resin containing N,N,N′,N′-tetraisobutyl diglycolamide (TiBDGA) was synthesized by suspension polymerization of styrene and divinylbenzene and its performance for separation of Sr(II) from Rb(I) was investigated. The effects of crosslink degree, stirring speed, and the ratio of porogenic-agents on the resin synthesized were examined. The optimum TiBDGA resin with 40 wt.% divinylbenzene as cross linking agent and 20 wt.% of n-octanol as porogenic-agents provided excellent adsorption capacity of 22.5 mg/g. The distribution coefficient (K _d) of Sr(II) in HNO₃ media onto the resin depended heavily on the acidity in the aqueous solution. The maximum K _d for Sr(II) (7300 mL/g) was observed when the HNO₃ concentration in aqueous phase reached 2 mol/L. The difference in the Sr(II) and Rb(I) distribution coefficients of several orders of magnitude implied that ⁸⁹Sr may be separated from ⁸⁶Rb with a radionuclide purity greater than 99%. And the maximum static adsorption capacity of Sr(II) on the resin was 22.5 mg/g.     

Extraction Behavior of Actinides and Metal Ions by the Promising Extractant,N,N,N′,N′-Tetraoctyl-3,6-dioxaoctanediamide (DOODA)

Abstract

The extraction of actinides, fission products, some non-nuclear elements, and nitric acid by N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl-3,6-dioxaoctanediamide (DOODA-C₈) in dodecane was extensively studied. Also studied was the extraction of HNO₃ and Nd(III) by the tetradodecyl analog of DOODA-C₈ in dodecane. Both extractants contain two ether oxygen atoms in the backbone chain carrying the two amide groups and can thus act as tetradentate ligands. The extractability of actinides decreases in the order Pu(IV) > U(VI), Am(III) > Np(V) in the extraction from nitric acid and Pu(IV) > Am(III) >> U(VI) in the extraction from perchloric acid. Ions of di-, tri-, tetra-, hexa-, and heptavalent metals strongly differ in the extractability by DOODA-C₈ but, except for lanthanides(III), there is no visible correlation of their distribution ratios with ionic radii. Due to the efficient extraction of actinides, weak extraction of fission products, and sufficient extraction capacity, DOODA-C₈ is a promising extractant for the recovery of minor actinides from high-level radioactive wastes.     

Carrier Facilitated Transport of Europium(III) Across Supported Liquid Membranes Containing N,N,N′,N′-tetra-2-ethylhexyl-3-oxapentane-diamide (T2EHDGA) as the Extractant

Studies on the solvent extraction and pertraction behavior of europium(III) was carried out from acidic feed solutions using N,N,N′,N′-tetra-2-ethylhexyl-3-oxapentane-diamide (T2EHDGA) in n-dodecane as the solvent. The nature of the extracted species from the solvent extraction studies conformed to Eu(NO₃)₃ · 3T2EHDGA which is in variance with the analogous Eu(III) – TODGA (linear homolog of T2EHDGA) extraction system. The transport behavior of Eu(III) was investigated from a feed containing 3.0 M HNO₃ into a receiver phase containing 0.01 M HNO₃ across a PTFE flat sheet supported liquid membrane (SLM) containing 0.2 M T2EHDGA in n-dodecane as the carrier solvent and 30% iso-decanol as the phase modifier. Effects of feed acidity, carrier extractant concentration, membrane pore size, and Eu concentration in the feed on the transport rates of Eu(III) were also investigated. Membrane diffusion coefficient (D _o) for the pertracted species was calculated using the Wilke-Chang equation as 4.25 × 10^?6 cm² · s^?1. The influence of Eu concentration on the flux was also investigated. The role of temperature on the transport rates was investigated and the thermodynamic parameters were calculated.     

Extraction of Uranium(VI) and Thorium(IV) from Nitric Acid Solution by N,N,N′,N′ – Tetraoctylglutaricamide

Synthesis and characterization of N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctylglutaricamide (TOGA) was carried out and used for extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from nitric acid solutions. The processes of extraction were determined by the slope analysis and by analyzing a function that allows the simultaneous treatment of all the experimental points obtained in different conditions. The different factors affecting the extraction distribution ratio(D) of U(VI) and Th(IV) (extraction concentration, concentrations of nitric acid, salting-out agent NaNO₃ concentration, equilibration time, temperature, and types of diluents) were investigated. The results obtained indicated that the extraction species of U(VI) and Th(IV) are mainly extracted as UO₂(NO₃)₂·1.0TOGA and Th(NO₃)₄·1.5TOGA. The apparent equilibrium constant of U(VI) and Th(IV) extraction determined are 3.35 ± 0.03 L³/mol³ and 1.87 ± 0.01 L⁵/mol⁵ at 298 ± 1 K. Thermodynamic parameters such as the free energy(ΔG), enthalpy(ΔH), and entropy(ΔS) changes associated with the extraction processes could be evaluated. Back-extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from organic phases was also studied.     

Application of N,N′‐Dimethyl‐N,N′‐Di(4‐Chlorophenyl)Tetradecyl Malonamide for the Selective Recovery of Iron(III) from Concentrated Chloride Solutions

Abstract

The feasibility of using two new diamides namely; N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐di(4‐chlorophenyl)malonamide (DMDPhClMA) and N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐di(4‐chlorophenyl)tetradecylmalonamide (DMDPhClTDMA), as agents for the selective extraction of iron(III) from chloride solution was investigated. A systematic investigation has been carried out on the detailed extraction properties of iron(III) with these extractants from chloride media. The extraction of iron(III) from an aqueous chloride solution in the presence of metal ions, such as Zn(II), Co(II), Mn(II) Cu(II), Pb(II), Ni(II) and Ag(I) was carried out using DMDPhClMA or DMDPhClTDMA in binary and multicomponent mixtures. The quantitative extraction of iron(III) with DMDPhClMA and DMDPhClTDMA in toluene is observed at 4 and 7 M HCl, respectively. The quantitative stripping of Fe(III), from the loaded organic phase was successfully achieved by simple contact with water.     

Solvent Extraction Studies for Platinum Recovery from Chloride Media by A N,N′‐ Tetrasubstituted Malonamide Derivative

Abstract: Solvent extraction studies for platinum recovery from chloride media have been carried out using N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐diphenyltetradecylmalonamide (DMDPHTDMA). Platinum can be effectively extracted by DMDPHTDMA in the presence of tin and can also be successfully stripped by an aqueous mixture of 4M HCl + 0.05M NaClO₃. The influence of different Sn:Pt feed ratios on the extraction system has been considered. Experimental parameters such as equilibration time, diluent, and temperature effects, extractant and hydrogen ion concentrations have been thoroughly investigated. The loading capacity of DMDPHTDMA for platinum has also been evaluated. Platinum extraction is proposed to occur via an ion‐pair association.     

Transport of Thorium(IV) Across a Supported Liquid Membrane Containing N,N,N′,N′-Tetraoctyl-3-oxapentanediamide (TODGA) as the Extractant

The transport behavior of Th⁴⁺ was investigated from a feed containing 3.0 M HNO₃ into a receiver phase containing 0.1 M oxalic acid across a PTFE flat sheet supported liquid membrane (SLM) which contained TODGA (N,N,N′,N′-Tetraoctyl-3-oxapentanediamide) in n-dodecane as the extractant. Effects of the nature of the strippant, extractant concentration, Th concentration in the feed, and feed acidity on the transport rates were investigated. The transport behavior apparently depended on the rate of extraction of the metal ion at the feed-membrane interface and was not diffusion controlled. Influence of Th concentration on flux was also investigated. Transport mechanism was elucidated and the diffusion coefficient was calculated to be 2.13 × 10^?7 cm²/s. Solvent extraction studies at varying feed acidity and TODGA concentration were also carried out.     

Synthesis and Evaluation of N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-dicyclohexyl-Malonamide (DMDCMA) as an Extractant for Actinides

A malonamide based extractant, i.e., N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-dicyclohexyl-malonamide (DMDCMA) was synthesized in a single step and tested for the extraction of several actinide ions such as Am(III), U(VI), Np(IV), Np(VI), Pu(IV), Pu(VI), etc., from nitric acid medium. The extractant was soluble in phenyltrifluoromethylsulphone (PTMS or FS-13) unless stated otherwise. The effect of various experimental parameters, such as the aqueous phase acidity (0.01–3 M HNO₃), nature of the acid, oxidation states of the metal ions, ligand concentration, nature of the diluent and temperature on the extraction behavior of metal ions was studied. The extracted Am(III) species was determined from slope analysis method as [Am(NO₃)₃(DMDCMA)₂]. The extraction of the metal ions was found to increase with the aqueous phase acidity. The temperature variation studies allowed the calculation of the heat of the two-phase extraction reaction as well as the corresponding extraction constants. These studies revealed that DMDCMA showed good extraction for all the actinide metal ions investigated, and have the advantage of single stage synthesis and easier purification protocol.     

Metal binding properties of poly[N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)ethylenediamine methacrylate]

Summary When incorporated into a polymer hydrogel, the metal chelator, N,N,N,N-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)ethylenediamine (THPED), retains its metal binding properties. The resultant poly(THPED methacrylate) homopolymer is a polybase with displacement binding constants for copper (II) and zinc(II) of-3.11 and-6.55, respectively, as compared to values for THPED of-3.83 and-7.44. The chelating capacity of the polymer for various divalent metal ions at pH 5.5 follows the order Cu>Cd>Co>Zn>Mn, while calcium and magnesium do not bind. Metal ion release curves indicate that after 30 hours, Cd(II), Co(II), Zn(II), and Mn(II) are released at a slow, steady rate, while Cu(II) is not released under experimental conditions.     

Extraction Studies of Lanthanide(III) Ions with N,N′‐Dimethyl‐N,N′‐diphenylpyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxyamide (DMDPhPDA) from Nitric Acid Solutions

Abstract

The new diamide compound, N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐diphenylpyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxyamide (DMDPhPDA), was synthesized and the distribution ratios of lanthanides from 1 to 5 M nitric acid solutions into DMDPhPDA CHCl₃ solution were determined. The extraction mechanism of lanthanide with DMDPhPDA was discussed based on the slope analysis of acid and ligand concentration dependencies and the variation of distribution ratio along the lanthanides series. The number of DMDPhPDA molecules in extracted complexes increase from 3 for lighter lanthanides to 4 for heavier lanthanides. From the previous EXAFS study of a complex similar in structure, Ln(III) would form an inner‐sphere complex with the two DMDPhPDA molecules and an outer‐sphere complex with the third and/or fourth DMDPhPDA molecules in addition to an inner‐sphere complex. Nitric acid concentration has more influence on the distribution ratio and the difference of distribution ratio among lanthanides than the ligand concentration.     

Synthesis and Structural Studies of PdII/ZnII Architecture with N,N′-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine as Capping Ligand

A new compound of the composition [-{Zn-di-μ-bishydeten(O)-Zn}-μ-(CN)₂Pd(CN)₂] (1) was obtained from the reaction of PdCl₂, bishydeten [N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine], KCN and ZnCl₂ in water/ethanol mixture. This dimeric polymer was characterized by IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and its thermal properties were studied by TG and DTG. In addition, the crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. IR spectroscopy pointed out the existence of both terminal and bridged cyano ligands in the complex structure. When it comes to thermal analysis, the complex followed usual decomposition mechanism in which neutral ligands are decomposed first and then anionic ligands left the structure. Single crystal X-ray analysis revealed that 1 exhibited polymeric structure. An interesting feature of this complex is that ancillary bishydeten ligand acted as a bridge just like cyano groups did. In the complex structure, dimeric Zn units, which were gathered by –O atoms of bishydeten ligands in an asymmetric fashion, were bridged by tetracyanopalladate^II anions. 1D chain turned into 3D chains by means of intermolecular hydrogen bonds.     

2,2′‐(Methylimino)bis(N,N‐dioctylacetamide) (MIDOA), A New Tridentate Extractant for Technetium(VII), Rhenium(VII), Palladium(II), and Plutonium(IV)

2,2′‐(Methylimino)bis(N,N‐dioctylacetamide) (MIDOA) was developed as a new extractant for technetium. MIDOA has a similar backbone to TODGA, N,N,N′,N′‐tetraoctyldiglycolamide, where the nitrogen atom bearing a methyl group replaces the ether oxygen in TODGA. MIDOA is highly lipophilic and ready to use in the HNO₃–n‐dodecane extraction system. The distribution ratio (D) for Tc(VII) is extremely high. In addition, Cr(VI), Re(VII), Mo(VI), W(VI), Pd(II), and Pu(IV) are well extracted by MIDOA. MIDOA has high selectivity toward certain oxometallates. The D(Tc) values decrease gradually with HNO₃, H⁺, and NO₃ ^? concentrations, and the log D vs log [MIDOA] dependence indicates the species extracted to be the 1:1 metal‐ligand complex. It is clear that MIDDA [2,2′‐(methylimino)bis(N,N‐didodecylacetamide)] and IDDA [2,2′‐(imino)bis(N,N‐didodecylacetamide)], which have structures analogous to MIDOA, have similar extraction behavior to that of MIDOA.     

Synthesis and properties of poly(ester imide) copolymers from 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine,and 4-aminophenyl-4′-aminobenzoate

A series of poly(ester imide) (PEsI) copolymers were synthesized using 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (4,4′-BPDA), 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFMB), and 4-aminophenyl-4′-aminobenzoate (APAB) as the monomers. Wide-angle x-ray diffraction results revealed that the average interchain distances of these polymers ranged from 4.6 to 5.7 Å, increasing with the increase of TFMB contents. PEsI-0.3 and PEsI-0.4 exhibited a glass transition temperature (T_g) of 445 and 455°C, respectively, while no distinctive T_g was observed for the PEsI copolymers when the APAB content was >50 mol%. The coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of these PEsI copolymers ranged from 3.8 to 24.2 ppm K⁻¹, increasing with the increase of TFMB contents. The PEsI copolymers exhibited a modulus of 5.7–7.8 GPa, a tensile strength of 282–332 MPa, and an elongation-at-break of 10.2%–23.3%. Furthermore, these copolymers exhibited a dielectric constant of 2.53–2.76, and a low dissipation factor (D_f) of 0.0026–0.0032 at 10 GHz in dry state. Because of their excellent combined properties, these PEsI copolymers are promising candidates as dielectric substrate materials for the applications in next generation flexible printed circuit boards operating at high frequencies.     

Electrochemical study of the stability of the electron-donor—acceptor (EDA) complex between N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylendiamine and m-dinitrobenzene in acetonitrile

The stability constant of the EDA complex between N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylendiamine and m-dinitrobenzene in acetonitrile has been studied by cyclic voltammetry and potentiometric titration at constant finite current. For comparison, spectral measurements were made. The spectroscopic techniques allowed us to assume the formation of a 1:1 EDA complex of which stability in acetonitrile is lower than that previously reported in chloroform. This solvent effect is expected for such weak complexes. The electrochemical techniques give a higher value of the stability constant in similar conditions. The possible causes of the discrepancies are discussed. However, the enthalpy and entropy values for the process closely agree in both electrochemical and spectroscopic methods. This is good evidence that both techniques are accounting for the same type of interaction. The electrochemical techniques, and particularly cyclic voltammetry, seem to be fast and sensible methods to study EDA complex interactions in polar aprotic solvents.     

Studies on the Use of N,N,N´,N´-Tetra(2-ethylhexyl) Diglycolamide (TEHDGA) for Actinide Partitioning. I: Investigation on Third-Phase Formation and Extraction Behavior

Abstract

Diglycolamides have emerged as an interesting class of extractants for actinide partitioning from high-level waste (HLW). N,N,N´,N´-tetraoctyl diglycolamide (TODGA) has been extensively studied for lanthanide-actinide co-extraction behavior. The present work deals with a branched isomer of TODGA, that is, N,N,N´,N´-tetra(2-ethylhexyl) diglycolamide (TEHDGA). TEHDGA was studied for the extraction of ²⁴¹Am and third-phase formation. The effect of using different phase modifiers on the prevention of the formation of a third phase during nitric acid extraction by TEHDGA along with the acid uptake behavior by TEHDGA in the presence of the modifiers was studied. The modifiers used for this purpose were di(n-hexyl)octanamide (DHOA), isodecanol, and n-decanol. The effect of the modifiers on the uptake of ²⁴¹Am as a function of acid concentration and as a function of modifier concentration was also examined. DHOA was found to be a suitable modifier, in spite of its high acid uptake. The uptake of lanthanides Ce, La, Eu, Gd, and Nd and elements such as Fe, Ni, Mn, Mo, Ru, Sr, and Cs with DHOA-modified TEHDGA–n-dodecane solvent systems were investigated. The results obtained indicated that, while DHOA-modified TEHDGA/n-dodecane extracted lanthanides and actinides, it did not show any significant uptake of other elements. Thus, the TEHDGA-DHOA/n-dodecane solvent system can be used effectively for the partitioning of lanthanides and actinides from HLW.     

Recovery of Plutonium(IV) from Aqueous Solutions Using Emulsion Liquid Membrane Containing 2‐Ethylhexyl Phosphonic Acid Mono‐2‐Ethylhexyl Ester as Ion Transporter

Abstract

An emulsion liquid membranes (ELMs) containing 2‐ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono‐2‐ethylhexyl ester (H₂A₂) was tested for the extraction of plutonium(IV) from aqueous nitrate solutions of different compositions. Span 80 was used as the surface‐active agent and a mixture of 0.05 mol dm^?3 HNO₃+0.3 mol dm^?3 H₂C₂O₄ was used as the internal phase. Influence of some important experimental parameters such as exterior phase nitric acid concentration, ionic impurities in the exterior phase, concentration of H₂A₂ in ELM phase, and organic solvents on the ELM permeation process were systematically studied. The maximum efficiency of Pu extraction among group of experiments was 98% with permeability coefficient=0.508 min^?1, and the corresponding concentration factor of Pu in the receiving phase was ca. 10. The stability of the emulsions was tested in the presence of different organic solvents and at different concentrations of Span 80 in LM phase. The extractions of Pu by ELM from actual and simulated waste solutions as well as in presence of some added ionic impurities were investigated. Rate of Pu extraction by ELM was studied at different treatment ratios and under repeat extractions by the same emulsion. The repeat extraction experiments showed that a concentration factor of more than 80 for Pu could be achieved.     

Extraction of Actinide(III,IV, V,VI) Ions and TcO4 − by N,N,N′,N′‐Tetraisobutyl‐3‐Oxa‐Glutaramide

Abstract

The extraction behavior of U(VI), Np(V), Pu(IV), Am(III), and TcO₄ ^? with N,N,N′,N′‐tetraisobutyl‐3‐oxa‐glutaramide (TiBOGA) were investigated. An organic phase of 0.2 mol/L TiBOGA in 40/60% (V/V) 1‐octanol/kerosene showed good extractability for actinides (III, IV, V VI) and TcO₄ ^? from aqueous solutions of HNO₃ (0.1 to 4 mol/L). At 25°C, the distribution ratio of the actinide ions (D _An) generally increased as the concentration of HNO₃ in the aqueous phase was increased from 0.1 to 4 mol/L, while the D _Tc at first increased, then decreased, with a maximum of 3.0 at 2 mol/L HNO₃. Based on the slope analysis of the dependence of D _M (M=An or Tc) on the concentrations of reagents, the formula of extracted complexes were assumed to be UO₂L₂(NO₃)₂, NpO₂L₂(NO₃), PuL(NO₃)₄, AmL₃(NO₃)₃, and HL₂(TcO₄) where L=TiBOGA. The enthalpy and entropy of the corresponding extraction reactions, Δ_r H and Δ_r S, were calculated from the dependence of D on temperature in the range of 15–55°C. For U(VI), Np(V), Am(III) and TcO₄ ^?, the extraction reactions are enthalpy driven and disfavored by entropy (Δ_r H<0 and Δ_r S<0). In contrast, the extraction reaction of Pu(IV) is entropy driven and disfavored by enthalpy (Δ_r H>0 and Δ_r S>0). A test run with 0.2 mol/L TiBOGA in 40/60% 1‐octanol/kerosene was performed to separate actinides and TcO₄ ^? from a simulated acidic high‐level liquid waste (HLLW), using tracer amounts of ²³⁸U(VI), ²³⁷Np(V), ²³⁹Pu(IV), ²⁴¹Am(III) and ⁹⁹TcO₄ ^?. The distribution ratios of U(VI), Np(V), Pu(IV), Am(III) and TcO₄ ^? were 12.4, 3.9, 87, >1000 and 1.5, respectively, confirming that TiBOGA is a promising extractant for the separation of all actinides and TcO₄ ^? from acidic HLLW. It is noteworthy that the extractability of TiBOGA for Np(V) from acidic HLLW (D _Np(V)=3.9) is much higher than that of many other extractants that have been studied for the separation of actinides from HLLW.