A novel approach of precipitation of Ammonium Di -Uranate (ADU) by sonochemical route

Abstract

An ultrasound assisted technique has been developed for the precipitation of ammonium di uranate from uranyl nitrate solution with ammonia employing an ultrasonic horn of 35 KHz. The effect of ultrasonic power on reaction kinetics, physical and morphological characteristics of the ADU powder, crystal size, crystallinity, yield etc has been investigated under experimental conditions. The results obtained with ultrasonic precipitation have been compared with that of the conventional route of precipitation. The resultant powder was characterised by the analytical techniques such as particle size analysis, BET surface area analysis, XRD and SEM. Increase in power in the range of 20 W–200 W led to an increase in precipitation kinetics and thereby decrease in induction time of nucleation due to micromixing effect of ultrasound. Additionally, surface area and tap density of the ADU powder has also been found to be improved. XRD and SEM studies confirmed an improved crystallinity and homogeneity with flower petal like intrinsic particle morphology of the resultant ADU in sonochemical route compared to conventional route.