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Title: Evidence for non-electrostatic interactions between a pyrophosphate-functionalized uranyl peroxide nanocluster and iron (hydr)oxide minerals

Journal Article · · Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/c9em00139e· OSTI ID:1528906
 [1];  [1];  [1]; ORCiD logo [1]
  1. Univ. of Notre Dame, IN (United States)
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We report the terminal oxygen atoms of the pyrophosphate groups in the uranyl peroxide nanocluster U24Pp12 ([(UO2)24(O2)24(P2O7)12]48-) are not fully satisfied by bond valence considerations and can become protonated. This functionality could allow for specific interactions with mineral surfaces, as opposed to the electrostatically-driven interactions observed between non-functionalized uranyl peroxide nanoclusters and mineral surfaces. The sorption of U24Pp12 to goethite and hematite was studied using batch sorption experiments as a function of U24Pp12 concentration, mineral concentration, and pH. A suite of spectroscopic techniques, scanning electron microscopy, and electrophoretic mobility measurements were used to examine the minerals before and after reaction with U24Pp12, leading to a proposed conceptual model for U24Pp12 interactions with goethite. The governing rate laws were determined and compared to those previously determined for a non-functionalized uranyl peroxide nanocluster. The rate of uranyl peroxide nanocluster sorption depends on the charge density and functionalized component of the uranyl peroxide cage. Electrophoretic mobility and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses show that an inner-sphere complex forms between the U24Pp12 cluster and the goethite surface through the terminal pyrophosphate groups, leading to a proposed conceptual model in which U24Pp12 interacts with the triply-coordinated reactive sites on the (110) plane of goethite. Finally, these results demonstrate that the behavior of U24Pp12 at the iron (hydr)oxide-water interface is unique relative to interactions of the uranyl ion and non-functionalized uranyl peroxide nanoclusters.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Notre Dame, IN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
NA0003763
OSTI ID:
1528906
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1525905
Journal Information:
Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, Vol. 21, Issue 7; ISSN 2050-7887
Publisher:
Royal Society of ChemistryCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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