Catalytic Reduction of U(VI) with Hydrazine and Formic Acid in HNO3 Solutions

Catalytic reduction of 0.75 M U(VI) with hydrazine in HNO₃ solutions was studied under various conditions. At 58°C up to 0.55 M U(IV) is accumulated within 2 h in solutions containing 1-1.5 M N₂H₅⁺ and 2 M HNO₃ in the presence of 1% Pt/SiO₂ (S : L = 1 : 10). The reduction is decelerated with decreasing N₂H₅⁺ concentration to 0.75 M or with increasing HNO3 concentration to 3-4 M. 1.2 mol of U(IV) is formed per mole of oxidized hydrazine. Uranium(VI) reduction with formic acid in the presence of 1% Pt/SiO₂ and 1% Pt/VP-1An anion exchanger was studied. There exists a threshold N₂H₅⁺ concentration below which U(VI) is not reduced. The reduction in solutions containing 1-2 M HCOOH, 1-2 M HNO₃, and 0.1 M N₂H₅⁺ is faster than in solutions free of formic acid and containing 1-1.5 M N₂H₅⁺.