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Comparative extraction efficiencies of tri-n-butyl phosphate and N,N-dihexyloctanamide for uranium recovery using supercritical CO2

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Abstract

Extraction of uranium from tissue paper, synthetic soil, and from its oxides (UO2, UO3 and U3O8) was carried out using supercritical carbon dioxide modified with methanol solutions of extractants such as tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) or N,N-dihexyl octanamide (DHOA). The effects of temperature, pressure, extractant/nitric acid (nitrate) concentration, and of hydrogen peroxide on uranium extraction were investigated. The dissolution and extraction of uranium in supercritical CO2 modified with TBP, from oxide samples followed the order: UO3 ≫ UO2 > U3O8. Addition of hydrogen peroxide in the modifier solution enhanced the dissolution/extraction of uranium in dynamic mode. DHOA appeared better than TBP for recovery of uranium from different oxide samples. Similar enhancement in uranium extraction was observed in static mode experiments in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Uranium estimation in the extracted fraction was carried out by spectrophotometry employing 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol (Br-PADAP) as the chromophore.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India

    A. S. Kanekar, P. N. Pathak, P. K. Mohapatra & V. K. Manchanda

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  1. A. S. Kanekar
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  2. P. N. Pathak
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  3. P. K. Mohapatra
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  4. V. K. Manchanda
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Correspondence to V. K. Manchanda.

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Kanekar, A.S., Pathak, P.N., Mohapatra, P.K. et al. Comparative extraction efficiencies of tri-n-butyl phosphate and N,N-dihexyloctanamide for uranium recovery using supercritical CO2 . J Radioanal Nucl Chem 283, 789–796 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-0423-x

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