Precipitation characteristics of uranyl ions at different pHs depending on the presence of carbonate ions and hydrogen peroxide

Kwang Wook Kim, Yeon Hwa Kim, Se Yoon Lee, Jae Won Lee, Kih Soo Joe, Eil Hee Lee, Jong Seung Kim, Kyuseok Song, Kee Chan Song

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This work studied the dissolution of uranium dioxide and precipitation characteristics of uranyl ions in alkaline and acidic solutions depending on the presence of carbonate ions and H2O2 in the solutions at different pHs controlled by adding HNO3 or NaOH in the solution. The chemical structures of the precipitates generated in different conditions were evaluated and compared by using XRD, SEM, TG-DT, and IR analyses together. The sizes and forms of the precipitates in the solutions were evaluated, as well. The uranyl ions were precipitated in the various forms, depending on the solution pH and the presences of hydrogen peroxide and carbonate ions in the solution. In a 0.5 M Na2CO3 solution with H 2O2, where the uranyl ions formed mixed uranyl peroxy-carbonato complexes, the uranyl ions were precipitated as a uranium peroxide of UO4(H2O)4 at pH 3-4, and precipitated as a clarkeite of Na2U2Ox(OH) y(H2O)z above pH 13. In the same carbonate solution without H2O2, where the uranyl ions formed uranyl tris-carbonato complex, the uranyl ions were observed to be precipitated as a different form of clarkeite above pH 13. The precipitate of uranyl ions in a nitrate solution without carbonate ions and H2O2 at a high pH were studied together to compare the precipitate forms in the carbonate solutions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2355-2361
Number of pages7
JournalEnvironmental Science and Technology
Volume43
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009 Apr 1
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Environmental Chemistry

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