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A combined spectroscopic and light scattering study of hydrolysis of uranium(VI) leading to colloid formation in aqueous solutions

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Abstract

This study mainly focuses hydrolysis reactions of uranium(VI) under an ambient atmosphere leading to colloid formation in near neutral solution using light scattering, UV–Vis and FTIR-ATR studies. UV–Vis and IR spectrum was recorded for uranyl solution at different pH range. U(VI) hydrolyzed colloids were detected and it was confirmed by the appearance of a band at 941 cm−1 in the IR spectra. Light scattering measurements were performed on colloidal U(VI) solutions formed at pH range of 7–8. The average particle diameter was determined as 32–36 nm using dynamic light scattering. Well defined colloidal species are formed with no considerable change in particle size with increasing U(VI) concentration. The weight average molecular weight of colloidal species was predicted as 763 Da by Debye plot. The second virial coefficient (A2) was found to be −0.1139 ml g−1 Da. The present study confirms that behaviour of U(VI) contradicts conventional Zr(IV), Th(IV) and Pu(IV) solution chemistry. U(VI) polymerization is less extensive and in neutral solutions it forms only oligomers with 2–3 uranyl units.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reprocessing Group, Reprocessing R&D Division, IGCAR, Kalpakkam, 603102, India

    N. Priyadarshini, M. Sampath, Shekhar Kumar, U. Kamachi Mudali & R. Natarajan

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  1. N. Priyadarshini
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  2. M. Sampath
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  3. Shekhar Kumar
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Correspondence to Shekhar Kumar.

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Priyadarshini, N., Sampath, M., Kumar, S. et al. A combined spectroscopic and light scattering study of hydrolysis of uranium(VI) leading to colloid formation in aqueous solutions. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 298, 1923–1931 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-013-2624-6

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