Extraction and electrochemical investigations of Pu(IV) employing green solvent system containing new bifunctional ligand and Bmim[NTf2] ionic liquid

Abstract

Electrochemical investigations and extraction of Pu(IV) was investigated employing a new bifunctional ligand system (N,N-dialkyl carbamoyl methyl) (2-pyridyl-N-Oxide) sulfide C5H4NOSCH2CONR2, (where R = octyl) (NOSCO) dissolved in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethanesulphonyl) imide ([Bmim][NTf2]). The extraction efficiency was found to be 84% in single contact. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) of Pu(IV) in aqueous and in ([Bmim][NTf2] + NOSCO) was carried out. Shifts of cathodic and anodic peak potentials of Pu(IV) in cyclic voltammograms were observed towards negative potentials in the extended electrochemical window for ionic liquid medium compared to aqueous medium. The diffusion coefficient and heterogeneous charge transfer coefficient were calculated for both aqueous and ionic liquid media. The redox reaction were found to be quasi reversible for both the media while the CV was broader in case of ionic liquid suggesting slow kinetics.