Preconcentration of U(VI), Th(IV), and REE(III) from nitric acid solutions using carbon nanotubes modified with bis(dioctylphosphinylmethyl)phosphinic acid

Abstract

The extraction of microamounts of U(VI) and Th(IV) from HNO3 solutions in the form of complexes with bis(dioctylphosphinylmethyl)phenylphosphinic acid was studied. The stoichiometry of the extractable complexes was studied, and the influence of the extractant structure on the efficiency and selectivity of the U(VI) and Th(IV) extraction was examined. U(VI), Th(IV), and REE(III) can be preconcentrated from nitric acid solutions with a complexing sorbent prepared by noncovalent immobilization of bis(dioctylphosphinylmethyl) phosphinic acid on the surface of carbon nanotubes.