Extraction and Separation of Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) from Nitrate Medium by Some CYANEX Extractants

Abstract

A solvent extraction study has been carried out to extract and separate zirconium and hafnium from nitrate medium by using some phosphine oxide extractants (CYANEX 921, CYANEX 923, and CYANEX 925) in kerosene. The influence of the different factors affecting the extraction process was studied in detail. Apparently the rate of extraction of Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) in CYANEX 921, CYANEX 923, and CYANEX 925 is reasonably fast. The extraction increases with increasing temperature, suggesting that the reaction is endothermic. The stripping percent of Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) by 0.5 M HNO₃ from the loaded organic phase after two stages reached 97.5% and 10.2%, respectively, which lead to good separation of the two metals. Under the optimum conditions, the extraction of zirconium was about 90, 87.6, and 91.6% and separation factors equal to 17, 21.4, and 40.7 were obtained for CYANEX 921, CYANEX 923, and CYANEX 925, respectively. The results obtained reveal that 2.0 M nitric acid is the optimum acid concentration for the separation of Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) and 0.4 M CYANEX 925 performs more efficient separation compared with other organophosphorus extractants.     

磷酸三丁酯－煤油从浓酸溶液中萃取Zr的第三相行为

本文研究了磷酸三丁酯（ＴＢＰ）在煤油中从浓硝酸和盐酸溶液中对Ｚｒ（Ⅳ）的萃取，考察了室温了初始Ｚｒ浓度、ＴＢＰ浓度以及水相酸度对萃取的影响，同时确定了体系第二相的形成条件．发现酸同Ｚｒ被—同萃取，酸度越高则萃取率越大，较高的酸度和Ｚｒ（Ⅳ）浓度易使萃取有机相分相．用红外光谱研究了第三相的组成，用Ｋａｒｌ－Ｆｉｓｃｈｅｒ滴定法和电导率仪分别测定了第三相的水含量和比电导，对可能的萃合物结构进行了推测，认为从胶体化学看第三相可能是一种具有双连续相结构的微乳液．     

Physicochemical properties,surface active species and formation of reverse micelles in the Cyanex 923‐n‐heptane/cerium(IV)‐H2SO4 extraction system

BACKGROUND: The Cyanex^® 923 (trialkylphosphine oxides, TRPO)‐n‐heptane/cerium(IV)‐H₂SO₄ extraction system has been investigated focusing on the physicochemical properties, surface active species and interfacial phenomena. The effects of H₂SO₄ and Ce(IV) extraction on them were considered. RESULTS: Results showed that the density and refractive index reflect the mass transfer by H₂SO₄ and Ce(IV) extraction and the change of refractive index was more sensitive than density. The interfacial tension decreased on extraction of H₂SO₄ but increased on extraction of Ce(IV). The viscosity of the equilibrium organic phase increased abruptly when the extracted H₂SO₄ concentration in the organic phase reached certain high values. The formation of reversed micelles, with mean diameter of about 10 nm, at high H₂SO₄ concentrations in the organic phase, is suggested by various measurements such as viscosity, interfacial tension and dynamic light‐scattering (DLS). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that TRPO‐H₂SO₄ complexes are more surface‐active than TRPO itself and tend to aggregate into reverse micelles by self‐assembling in the organic phase but the Ce(IV)‐TRPO complexes are neutral, less surface‐active than TRPO and not helpful for reverse micelle formation. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

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.     

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.     

Parameters Influencing Third‐Phase Formation in the Extraction of Th(NO3)4 by some Trialkyl Phosphates

Third‐phase formation in the extraction of Th(IV) by trialkyl phosphates (TalP) such as tri‐n‐butyl phosphate (TBP), tri‐iso‐butyl phosphate (TiBP), tri‐sec‐butyl phosphate (TsBP), tri‐n‐amyl phosphate (TAP), tri‐2‐methylbutyl phosphate (T2MBP), tri‐iso‐amyl phosphate (TiAP), tri‐sec‐amyl phosphate (TsAP), and tri‐cyclo‐amyl phosphate (TcyAP) has been investigated under various conditions. Formation of a third phase in the extraction of Th(IV) by TBP/n‐dodecane as a function of TBP concentration at 303 K was studied. Measurements were also carried out on the extraction of Th(IV) from its solution with near‐zero free acidity by various phosphate/diluent binary solutions (1.1 M) as a function of temperature. Third‐phase formation in the extraction of Th(IV) by 1.1 M TalP in various diluents from nitric acid media has also been studied as a function of equilibrium aqueous‐phase acidity at 303 K. Empirical equations to predict limiting organic concentration with respect to various parameters for third‐phase formation in the extraction of Th(IV) by TBP and TAP from nitric acid media have been derived. Some of the above phosphates have been investigated for the distribution of Th(NO₃)₄ between the “diluent‐rich phase” (DP) and “third‐phase” (TP) in the extraction of Th(IV) by 1.1 M TalP in various diluents from its saturated solution with near‐zero free acidity at 303 K. Results of the above studies are presented in this paper. Based on these studies, the effects of extractant concentration, the temperature, the nature of the diluent, the equilibrium aqueous‐phase acidity, and the structure of the extractant on third‐phase formation behavior of trialkyl phosphates are described in this paper.     

Comprehensive Studies on Third Phase Formation: Application to U(VI)/Th(IV) Mixtures Extracted by TBP in N-dodecane

ABSTRACT

Phase splitting of tributylphosphate (TBP)/n-dodecane organic phases resulting from the extraction of UO₂(NO₃)₂, Th(NO₃)₄ and mixtures of both actinides from aqueous nitrate solutions has been investigated. Limiting organic concentrations (LOC) and metals distribution beyond third phase formation have been determined, with comparison between the cases of single metal-systems and metals mixtures. Simultaneous quantification of TBP and both metals was achieved through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses. LOC studies reveal that thorium (IV) drives the third phase formation as it is the most destabilizing element in the solvent. After organic phase splitting, studies of the distributions of metals between the heavy organic phase (HOP) and the diluted organic phase (DOP) in the case of U^(VI)/Th^(IV) mixtures revealed that they are similar to those observed when both metals are alone in the solvent: Thorium (IV) has a strong affinity for the HOP, whereas uranium (VI) distributes both in HOP and in DOP. A supersaturation coefficient (N_LOC) is proposed as a new tool to account for the data obtained in the present study. Furthermore, the approach was successfully applied to analyse available data in the literature regarding thorium (IV) distribution studies after phase splitting in various TBP-alkane solvents. Such a study beyond third phase formation paves the way for studying the mechanism involved in third phase formation, as the metal is clearly identified as the key parameter.     

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.     

Synergistic Enhancement and Separation of Zirconium(IV) and Hafnium(IV) with 3-Phenyl-4-Benzoyl-5-Isoxazolone in the Presence of Crown Ethers

Abstract

3-Phenyl-4-benzoyl-5-isoxazolone (HPBI) was synthesized and examined with regard to the synergistic solvent extraction behavior of zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) in the presence of various crown ethers (CEs), namely, 18-crown-6 (18C6), dicylohexano-18-crown-6 (DC18C6) and benzo-15-crown-5 (B15C5) from hydrochloric acid solutions. The results demonstrated that zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) were synergistically extracted into chloroform with mixtures of HPBI and CEs as ZrO(PBI)₂ · CE and HfO(PBI)₂ · CE, respectively. The complexation strength follows the order DC18C6 >18C6 > B15C5. The addition of CEs not only enhances the extraction efficiency of zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) but also significantly, especially in the presence of B15C5, improves the selectivity (Zr/Hf = 4.73) between these metal ions as compared to HPBI alone (Zr/Hf = 2.09). On the other hand, selectivity has been moderately decreased by the addition of 18C6 or DC18C6 to the metal-chelate system.     

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.     

Zr (IV)-ninhydrin supported MCM-41 and MCM-48 as novel nanoreactor catalysts for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and thiols to disulfides

Modification of MCM-41 and MCM-48 mesoporous materials with bonded aminosilane species, Schiff base preparation by ninhydrin and finally complexation with zirconium, has attracted much attention in order to design catalyst with advanced applications in the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and thiols to disulfides in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. In all oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxids 0.4 mL H₂O₂ used as oxidant in the presence of Zr(IV)-ninhydrin supported MCM-41 (0.01 g) or Zr(IV)-ninhydrin supported MCM-48 (0.005 g) at room temperature and solvent-free condition. Also the best conditions for oxidation of thiols to disulfides with 0.4 mL H₂O₂ were 0.005 g Zr(IV)-ninhydrin supported MCM-41 or Zr(IV)-ninhydrin supported MCM-48 at room temperature and in ethanol. These catalysts are characterized by SEM, XRD, TGA, FT-IR, EDS, ICP and BET analysis. Also the Turn over frequency (TOF) and Turn over number (TON) of catalysts are calculated. Obtained results by these heterogeneous catalysts revealed several advantages including short reaction times, simple workup, easy isolation and reusability.     

TRPO Impregnated Levextrel Resin: Synthesis and Extraction Behavior of Zr (IV) and Nd (III) Ions

A novel kind of Levextrel resin with trialkylphosphine oxide (TRPO) extractant impregnated in the styrene-divinylbenzene copolymerization was synthesized. The extraction behavior of the resin toward Zr (IV) and Nd (III) ions was investigated by batch and column operations. The influence factors such as suspension system, porogen content, stirring rate, and temperature were systematically examined. The TRPO impregnated Levextrel resin showed excellent extraction ability toward the metal ions. The adsorption capacity of 47 mg/g for Zr (IV) ion and 48 mg/g for Nd (III) ion could be obtained in 1.0 g/L solutions. The fast kinetics in the extraction process was another noteworthy feature of the resin. The numerous micro- and macro-pores in the internal resin facilitated the mass transfer, and the equilibrium could be reached in only tens of minutes. Besides, the cyclic operations showed that the resin had a reliable performance and could be conveniently recovered. The TRPO impregnated Levextrel resin possesses the potential for the removal of the lanthanides and actinides ions in radioactive liquid waste.     

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.     

A SETCHENOW TYPE MODEL FOR Pu(lV) THIRD PHASE FORMATION IN NITRIC ACID - BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL) SULPHOXIDE/DODECANE BIPHASIC SYSTEM AT 298.15 K

ABSTRACT

Formation of third phase (second organic phase) due to limiting solubility of tetravalent actinide solvates in organic solvent has been studied in a qualitative manner by several researchers. Quantitative relations for interactions among various solutes for second organic phase formation were not reported in open literature. In this contribution, an empirical model for Pu(IV) third phase formation in biphasic Pu(NO₃)₄-H₂O-HNO₃-0.4 M BESO/dodecane system at 298.15 K is reported. This model is similar to Setchenow model for salting in/out. The reported model could accommodate effect of inextractable nitrates and diluent modifiers on the limiting organic concentration of Pu(IV).     

Uranium Permeation Studies from Nitric Acid Medium across Supported Liquid Membrane Impregnated with PC88A and its Mixtures with Neutral Oxodonors in n-paraffin as Carriers

The permeation of U(VI) from nitric acid medium using supported liquid membrane (SLM) technique has been studied employing varying compositions of feed (uranium concentration and acidity), carrier, and receiving phase. Microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes were used as a solid support and 2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (PC88A) either alone or as a mixture of neutral donors like tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP), tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP), and tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) dissolved in n-parrafin as the carrier. Oxalic acid/Na₂CO₃ solutions were used as the receiving phase. The permeability coefficient (P) of U(VI) decreased with increased nitric acid concentration up to 3 M HNO₃ and thereafter increased up to 5 M HNO₃. Uranium permeation was also investigated from its binary mixtures with other metal ions such as Zr(IV), Th(IV), and Y(III) at 2 M HNO₃ employing 0.1 M PC88A/n-paraffin as the carrier, and 0.5 M oxalic acid as the receiver phase. The presence of neutral donors in the carrier solution enhanced the permeation of U(VI) across the SLM in the following order: TEHP ～ TBP > TOPO using 0.1 M oxalic acid as receiver phase. There was significant enhancement in uranium transport for feed acidity ≤2 M HNO₃ employing 1 M Na₂CO₃ as the receiver phase. These studies suggested that 0.1 M PC88A and 0.5 M oxalic acid as carrier and receiver phases appear suitable for selective and faster transport of uranium from the uranyl nitrate raffinate (UNR) waste solutions.     

Electrochemical and morphological properties of zirconium conversion coating in the presence of nickel ions on galvanized steel

A hexafluorozirconic acid-based conversion coating was applied on a galvanized steel substrate and the influence of nickel ion from nickel sulfate solution (in zirconium solution and in a separate solution) on the corrosion resistance behavior and morphology of zirconium conversion coating was investigated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and DC polarization were conducted in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution in order to optimize practical conditions of zirconium conversion coating and NiSO₄ solution on the galvanized steel substrate. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to study the morphology and composition of the coated surfaces. Results revealed that the conversion coating obtained from solution containing zirconium and nickel ions (Zr + Ni) did not improve corrosion resistance and uniformity of the coating in comparison with Zr conversion coating in optimized condition. However, a positive effect was obtained from samples coated with separate solutions of zirconium and nickel (Zr–Ni). Improved corrosion resistance and morphology of Zr-based conversion coating were observed in Ni²⁺ concentration, pH, and immersion time of 10 g/L, 6 and 300 s, respectively. Morphology and surface composition analysis proved that two separate layers of conversion coating containing zirconium, zinc, and nickel oxide/hydroxide compounds were formed in the case samples that were treated by separate solutions. This led to better uniformity and higher thickness of the coating. Finally, adhesion strength of epoxy organic coating on galvanized steel with and without conversion coating was investigated by pull-off measurement. Zr–Ni conversion coating in optimum conditions had a positive effect on adhesion of organic coating in comparison with blank sample and samples pretreated with Zr and Zr + Ni conversion coatings through increased surface roughness and physical interlocking.     

Co/Mn/Zr复合催化剂催化甲苯液相氧化

以乙酰丙酮锆或乙酸锆与乙酸钴和乙酸锰制备乙酸钴/乙酸锰/乙酰丙酮锆或乙酸锆(Co/Mn/Zr)三元复合催化剂。比较乙酸钴(Co)、乙酸钴/乙酸锰(Co/Mn)和Co/Mn/Zr催化剂体系对甲苯液相氧化反应的催化性能。结果表明:在催化剂中添加Zr可以降低反应温度,提高甲苯转化率和苯甲酸选择性。与乙酸锆相比,采用乙酰丙酮锆制得的Co/Mn/Zr具有较好的催化活性。在Co,Mn和Zr物质的量之比为5 5 1,Co与甲苯的物质的量之比为1 10 000,溶剂乙酸与甲苯质量比为1 2.3,反应温度160℃和反应压力1.4 MPa的条件下反应3 h后,苯甲酸选择性和甲苯转化率分别为80.2%和15.4%。     

Comparison of separation behavior of Ir(IV) and Rh(III) between tin(II) chloride and ascorbic acid as a reducing agent in the extraction with Cyanex 921 and Cyanex 301

In order to compare the separation of Ir(IV) and Rh(III) between SnCl₂ and ascorbic acid as a reducing agent, solvent extraction with Cyanex 921 and Cyanex 301 was investigated in the HCl concentration range from 1 M to 9 M. Addition of both SnCl₂ and ascorbic acid led to the selective extraction of rhodium by the two extractants, leaving Ir(III) in the raffinate. Since tin was selectively extracted over Rh(I) in the presence of SnCl₂, it is necessary to separate Rh(I) and tin by selective stripping from the organic phase. In the presence of ascorbic acid, the extraction percentage of rhodium by Cyanex 921 was much smaller than that in the presence of SnCl₂. UV spectra was analyzed to verify the reduction reaction of both metal ions. FT-IR was analyzed between fresh and loaded organic solution. The reduction of Ir(IV) and Rh(III) in the presence of ascorbic acid was explained. Selective stripping of Rh(I) over tin from the loaded Cyanex 921 was obtained by the mixture of HCl and (NH₂)₂CS.     

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.