Breaking the Neptunyl Barrier: Direct Access to Neptunium(IV) in Aqueous Solution via Polyoxometalate-Mediated Reduction and Stabilization
Journal Article
·
· Inorganic Chemistry
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Neptunium exhibits truly unique chemistry as its speciation is dominated by the neptunyl(V) ion (NpO2+). Here, in this study, we describe the spontaneous destabilization and reduction of neptunyl(V) via complexation to the Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM) ligand PW11O397–. The POM-mediated reduction of NpO2+ does not require any reducing agent and occurs within minutes, at room temperature, and in aqueous solution. The resulting [Np(PW11O39)2]10- complex (Np(PW11)2) remains soluble, water-stable, and air-stable for weeks and persists over an extended acidity range. Single-crystal structure, solid-state Raman and UV–visible absorbance characterization of Np(PW11)2 revealed a mixed alpha/beta isomery of the Keggin ion, forming an unprecedented 50:50 mixture of Np(α-PW11)2 and Np(α-PW11)(β-PW11). Experiments with other tetravalent ions (i.e., Zr4+, Hf4+, Ce4+, and Th4+) indicate that the occurrence of the beta isomer is specific to Np4+ and independent of the cation’s size. Solution-state characterization of the Np-PW11 system via UV-visible-NIR absorbance, 31P NMR, VT NMR, and relaxometry further elucidated the speciation. Moreover, comparative experiments with uranium revealed that the two types of actinyl ions (UO22+ vs NpO2+) undergo drastically different reactions in the presence of PW11. UO22+ is not reduced but instead uses PW11 as a phosphate reservoir and precipitates as uranyl phosphate.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC52-07NA27344
- OSTI ID:
- 2999043
- Report Number(s):
- LLNL--JRNL-2001514
- Journal Information:
- Inorganic Chemistry, Journal Name: Inorganic Chemistry Journal Issue: 37 Vol. 64; ISSN 0020-1669; ISSN 1520-510X
- Publisher:
- American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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