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Title: Glancing-angle x-ray absorption spectroscopy of corroded borosilicate glass surfaces containing uranium

Journal Article · · Journal of the American Chemical Society; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ja00194a024· OSTI ID:6971100
;  [1]; ;  [2];  [3];  [4]
  1. SERC Daresbury Lab., Warrington (England)
  2. Univ. of Strathclyde, Glasgow (England)
  3. Universita di Modena (Italy)
  4. Chemical Crystallography Lab., Oxford (England)

The local atomic structure surrounding uranium in borosilicate glass has been investigated by fluorescence x-ray absorption spectroscopy. By employing angles of incidence either side of the critical angle for total external reflection, surface and near-surface structure can be distinguished. The results of leaching in water at 100{degree}C have been examined in detail. Wet and dried glass surfaces can be differentiated. Analysis of glancing-angle spectra demonstrates that uranium occupies a uranyl-like environment that hydrates as leaching progresses. Uranyl complexing occurs in a planar geometry. The initial corrosion process can be readily understood by using the modified random network model for glass structure, which predicts diffusion of cations and water taking place via percolation pathways through the network. Following extended corrosion treatment, evidence for the formation of hydrated uranyl silicates that the surface has been found.

OSTI ID:
6971100
Journal Information:
Journal of the American Chemical Society; (USA), Vol. 111:12; ISSN 0002-7863
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English