Studies on the Extraction of Actinides Using a Solvent Containing D2EHiBA in Room Temperature Ionic Liquids: Unusual Extraction of the Tetravalent Ions |
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Authors: | P N Pathak D R Prabhu Neelam Kumari |
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Affiliation: | Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, India |
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Abstract: | The extraction behavior of U(VI), Pu(IV), and Np(IV) from nitric acid medium has been studied using branched chain di(2-ethylhexyl)isobutyramide (D2EHiBA) dissolved in different room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) Cnmim]NTf2] (where n = 4, 6, or 8). Uranium extraction (DU) increased gradually with aqueous phase acidity for the three RTILs used in this study suggesting solvation mechanism. There was a reversal in the extraction behavior of Pu(IV) and Np(IV) from nitric acid medium using D2EHiBA dissolved in RTILs as solvents as compared to the behavior reported in the molecular diluent, n-dodecane, which shows negligible extraction of these metal ions. The extraction of Pu(IV) increased with aqueous phase acidity in different RTILs in the order: C8mim]NTf2] > C6mim]NTf2] > C4mim]NTf2]. The distribution ratio values of these metal ions followed the order: DPu(IV) ≥ DNp(IV) > DU(VI) using D2EHiBA as extractant suggesting that RTILs can modify the extraction behavior of extractants. |
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Keywords: | uranium plutonium ionic liquid amide extraction |
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