Abstract
In gamma irradiated aqueous acidic uranium solutions, tetravalent uranium ions are easily oxidized while U(VI) ions remain unchanged. In general, valence change of polyvalent metallic ions during chemical reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel solutions can lead to undesirable effects under the influence of the existing gamma radiations. Consequently, studies on valence stabilization of Uranium ions during chemical treatment in strong gamma irradiation fields seem to be highly interesting. It has been reported before that some organic compounds proved to be effective in stabilizing the valence of Fe(II) ions during extended gamma irradiation of their acidic solutions. In the present work, valence stabilization of Uranium ions in acidic solutions in presence of different classes of organic compounds has been studied. The results showed that in case of U(IV), methanol or formic acid are capable of providing about 80% protection while ethanol or acetaldehyde can provide about 70% protection. Propanol has the least protective effect i.e. about 54%. On using U(VI) instead of U(IV) in the irradiated solutions, the uranium ions were reduced and the formed U(IV) was protected as follows: formic acid or methanol can provide 69% or 63% protection respectively while ethanol, acetaldehyde or propanol can provide 50%, 35% and 24% respectively. In any case, protection exists as long as the organic additives were not completely consumed.
Highlights
IntroductionRadiation chemical reactions in water and aqueous systems are highly important, in applied nuclear technology
In modern radiochemical practice, radiation chemical reactions in water and aqueous systems are highly important, in applied nuclear technology.Gamma irradiation of aqueous solutions normally involves formation of primary water radiolysis products which can effectively interact with the existing chemical species in the irradiated systems
Aqueous acidic solutions of polyvalent uranium ions in presence of different classes of organic compounds, used as additives e.g. organic acids, aldehydes, alcohols, phenol, 4-aminopyridine and hydrazine hydrate, have been subjected to extended gamma irradiation aiming at studying the protective effect of these additives on the existing uranium ions
Summary
Radiation chemical reactions in water and aqueous systems are highly important, in applied nuclear technology. Gamma irradiation of aqueous solutions normally involves formation of primary water radiolysis products which can effectively interact with the existing chemical species in the irradiated systems. This probably leads to changes in the valence state of any existing polyvalent ions and can seriously interfere with the mechanism of any ongoing chemical separation process. It has been found that valence stabilization of Fe(II) ions depends on the competition reactions occurring between the primary water radiolysis products and the polyvalent ions or the organic additive present in the irradiated solution. Valence stabilization of uranium ions during extended gamma irradiation of its aqueous acidic solutions, containing different organic additives, has been studied in detail. Uranium ions are frequently encountered in numerous separations and determinations in applied radiochemical practice
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