Sulfate Separation from Aqueous Alkaline Solutions by Selective Crystallization of Alkali Metal Coordination Capsules

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2011 · Crystal Growth & Design

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/cg200515w· OSTI ID:1027827

Rajbanshi, Arbin ^[1]; Moyer, Bruce A ^[2]; Custelcean, Radu ^[2]

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1. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
2. ORNL

Self-assembly of a tris(urea) anion receptor with Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} or K{sub 2}SO{sub 4} yields crystalline capsules held together by coordinating Na{sup +} or K{sup +} cations and hydrogen-bonding water bridges, with the sulfate anions encapsulated inside urea-lined cavities. The sodium-based capsules can be selectively crystallized in excellent yield from highly competitive aqueous alkaline solutions ({approx}6 M Na{sup +}, pH 14), thereby providing for the first time a viable approach to sulfate separation from nuclear wastes.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: EM USDOE - Environmental Restoration and Waste Management (EM)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1027827
• Journal Information: Crystal Growth & Design, Journal Name: Crystal Growth & Design Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 11; ISSN 1528-7483
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
ALKALI METALS
ANIONS
CATIONS
CAVITIES
CRYSTALLIZATION
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
SULFATES
WATER