Voltammetric study on the transfer of U, Np, and Pu ions at the aqueous-organic interface facilitated by phosphine oxides

Abstract

Transfer of U, Np, and Pu ions across the interface between aqueous and 1,2-dichloroethane phases, which was facilitated by bidentate phosphine oxide, was studied by ion transfer polarography using an aqueous electrolyte dropping electrode. The ionic species participating in the transfer reaction were determined on the basis of wave analyses of the polarograms and results of the dependence of half-wave potential or limiting current on the concentration of metal ion in the aqueous phase or phosphine oxide in the organic phase. Applicability of the ion transfer reaction to the electrolytic separation of ions or the liquid-membrane-type ion selective electrode was investigated.