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Single step conversion of UO2 and U3U8 into uranyl sulphate solution

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Abstract

A direct and simple method for the conversion of UO2 and U3O8 powder into uranyl sulphate solution is described, eliminating many tedious chemical steps. UO2 and U3O8 are not soluble in concentrated or dilute sulphuric acid, as uranium in lower oxidation state does not react with sulphuric acid. However, nitric acid oxidizes uranium from lower valency to higher valency state, i.e., tetravalent to the hexavalent uranyl ion in solution. Sufficient amount of sulphuric acid present in the reaction mixture makes it possible for uranyl ions, formed by oxidation of nitric acid, to react with sulphuric acid forming uranyl sulphate.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Applied Chemistry Division, Pinstech, P. O. Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan

    S. Ahmed, A. Mahmood, M. A. Awan & U. ur Rehman

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  1. S. Ahmed
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  2. A. Mahmood
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  3. M. A. Awan
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  4. U. ur Rehman
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Ahmed, S., Mahmood, A., Awan, M.A. et al. Single step conversion of UO2 and U3U8 into uranyl sulphate solution. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 241, 195–196 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02347311

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02347311

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