Feasibility of electro-reduction of U(VI) in oxalic acid using an electrolytic CEM-separated cell
Date
2020Author
Potgieter, M.
Van der Spoel Badenhorst, W.D.
Van der Westhuizen, D.J.
Krieg, H.M.
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The feasibility of electrolytic stripping of U(VI) using an electrolytic separation cell with anode and cathode compartments, separated by a cation exchange membrane (CEM), was investigated as a possible final step in a traditional solvent extraction process to recover uranium. The reduction mechanism of U(VI)–U(IV) in oxalic acid was compared with the well-known nitric acid and hydrazine mechanism. It was shown that a similar mechanism was followed in both electrolytes, forming a U(V) intermediate followed by disproportionation to U(IV) and U(VI). Measurable amounts of U(IV) were produced and the transfer of U(VI) through the CEM with simultaneous electro-reduction to U(IV) was confirmed
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10394/35842https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10967-020-07367-3
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-020-07367-3