Abstract

The U(VI) solid phases schoepite, metaschoepite, and dehydrated schoepite are important reservoirs of mobile uranium in the environment. These simple uranyl oxide hydrates result from weathering of uranium minerals and the corrosion of anthropogenic uranium solids. We have studied the role of hydrational water among these phases and in subsequent tranformation to other secondary metal-U(VI) oxide hydrates. Synthetic metaschoepite (MS, UO3·2.0H2O), its dehydrated phases, and its secondary alteration products were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HRTGA). Drying MS at 105 °C resulted in the formation of a dehydrated phase (UO3·0.9H2O) that was structurally distinct from natural dehydrated schoepite (DS, UO3·0.75H2O) reported by others. Unlike natural DS, our dehydrated material was easily rehydrated, although crystallinity of the rehydrated phase was reduced. The ...

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.