Quantification of uranium metal and total uranium in U-UO₂ mixtures using H₃PO₄-HCl

Journal Article · 18 November 2024 · Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-024-09882-z · OSTI ID:2484187

Holland, Justin M. ^[1]; Fitzhugh, Richard L. ^[1]

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1. Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Here, the selective dissolution of uranium metal from its mixtures with UO₂ was studied to establish a simple and rapid quantitative method. Uranium metal was found to selectively dissolve as U(IV) into a solution of phosphoric and hydrochloric acids, with quantitative dissolution occurring within 1 h. Total dissolution of uranium as U(VI) could then be obtained by nitric acid addition and heating for 0.5–1 h. Analysis of the resulting U(IV) and U(VI) solutions by ICP-OES or UV–Vis spectroscopy yielded uranium metal-to-UO₂ ratios with an accuracy of ± 10% or better. Accuracy of the ICP-OES method was slightly better than UV–Vis, but the simplicity of the latter makes it an attractive option for some applications.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant (Y-12), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0001942
• OSTI ID: 2484187
• Journal Information: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry Vol. 334; ISSN 0236-5731
• Publisher: SpringerCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English