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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Carbonate “clumped” isotope signatures in aragonitic scleractinian and calcitic gorgonian deep-sea corals

Deep-sea corals are a potentially valuable archive of the temperature and ocean chemistry of intermediate and deep waters. Living in near-constant temperature, salinity, and pH and having amongst the slowest calcification rates observed in carbonate-precipitating biological organisms, deep-sea corals can provide valuable constraints on processes driving mineral equilibrium and disequilibrium isotope signatures. Here we report new data to further develop “clumped” isotopes as a paleothermometer in deep-sea corals as well as to investigate mineral-specific, taxon-specific, and growth-rate-related effects. Carbonate clumped isotope thermometry is based on measurements of the abundance of the doubly substituted isotopologue 13 C 18 O 16 O 2 in carbonate minerals, analyzed in CO 2 gas liberated on phosphoric acid digestion of carbonates and reported as Δ 47 values. We analyzed Δ 47 in live-collected aragonitic scleractinian ( Enallopsammia sp.) and high-Mg calcitic gorgonian (Isididae and Coralliidae) deep-sea corals and compared results to published data for other aragonitic scleractinian taxa. Measured Δ 47 values were compared to in situ temperatures, and the relationship between Δ 47 and temperature was determined for each group to investigate taxon-specific effects. We find that aragonitic scleractinian deep-sea corals exhibit higher values than high-Mg calcitic gorgonian corals and the two groups of coral produce statistically different relationships between Δ 47 –temperature calibrations. These data are significant in the interpretation of all carbonate clumped isotope calibration data as they show that distinct Δ 47 –temperature calibrations can be observed in different materials recovered from the same environment and analyzed using the same instrumentation, phosphoric acid composition, digestion temperature and technique, CO 2 gas purification apparatus, and data handling. There are three possible explanations for the origin of these different calibrations. The offset between the corals of different mineralogy is in the same direction as published theoretical predictions for the offset between calcite and aragonite although the magnitude of the offset is different. One possibility is that the deep-sea coral results reflect high-Mg and aragonite crystals attaining nominal mineral equilibrium clumped isotope signatures due to conditions of extremely slow growth. In that case, a possible explanation for the attainment of disequilibrium bulk isotope signatures and equilibrium clumped isotope signatures by deep-sea corals is that extraordinarily slow growth rates can promote the occurrence of isotopic reordering in the interfacial region of growing crystals. We also cannot rule out a component of a biological “vital effect” influencing clumped isotope signatures in one or both orders of coral. Based on published experimental data and theoretical calculations, these biological vital effects could arise from kinetic isotope effects due to the source of carbon used for calcification, temperature- and pH-dependent rates of CO 2 hydration and/or hydroxylation, calcifying fluid pH, the activity of carbonic anhydrase, the residence time of dissolved inorganic carbon in the calcifying fluid, and calcification rate. A third possible explanation is the occurrence of variable acid digestion fractionation factors. Although a recent study has suggested that dolomite, calcite, and aragonite may have similar clumped isotope acid digestion fractionation factors, the influence of acid digestion kinetics on Δ 47 is a subject that warrants further investigation.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

State of Supported Nanoparticle Ni during Catalysis in Aqueous Media

The state of Ni supported on HZSM-5 zeolite, silica, and sulfonated carbon was studied during aqueous-phase catalysis of phenol hydrodeoxygenation using in situ extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. On sulfonated carbon and HZSM-5 supports, NiO and Ni(OH)(2) were readily reduced to Ni-0 under reaction conditions (approximate to 35bar H-2 in aqueous phenol solutions containing up to 0.5wt.% phosphoric acid at 473K). In contrast, Ni supported on SiO2 was not stable in a fully reduced Ni-0 state. Water enables the formation of Ni-II phyllosilicate, which is more stable, that is, difficult to reduce, than either -Ni(OH)(2) or NiO. Leaching of Ni from the supports was not observed over a broad range of reaction conditions. Ni-0 particles on HZSM-5 were stable even in presence of 15wt.% acetic acid at 473K and 35bar H-2.

catalysis↗
DOE OSTI2018

Nanoscale view of assisted ion transport across the liquid–liquid interface

During solvent extraction, amphiphilic extractants assist the transport of metal ions across the liquid–liquid interface between an aqueous ionic solution and an organic solvent. Investigations of the role of the interface in ion transport challenge our ability to probe fast molecular processes at liquid–liquid interfaces on nanometer-length scales. Recent development of a thermal switch for solvent extraction has addressed this challenge, which has led to the characterization by X-ray surface scattering of interfacial intermediate states in the extraction process. Here, we review and extend these earlier results. We find that trivalent rare earth ions, Y(III) and Er(III), combine with bis(hexadecyl) phosphoric acid (DHDP) extractants to form inverted bilayer structures at the interface; these appear to be condensed phases of small ion–extractant complexes. The stability of this unconventional interfacial structure is verified by molecular dynamics simulations. The ion–extractant complexes at the interface are an intermediate state in the extraction process, characterizing the moment at which ions have been transported across the aqueous–organic interface, but have not yet been dispersed in the organic phase. In contrast, divalent Sr(II) forms an ion–extractant complex with DHDP that leaves it exposed to the water phase; this result implies that a second process that transports Sr(II) across the interface has yet to be observed. Calculations demonstrate that the budding of reverse micelles formed from interfacial Sr(II) ion–extractant complexes could transport Sr(II) across the interface. Our results suggest a connection between the observed interfacial structures and the extraction mechanism, which ultimately affects the extraction selectivity and kinetics.

Liang, Zhu↗
DOE OSTI2014

Solid polymer electrolyte from phosphorylated chitosan

Recently, the need of secondary battery application continues to increase. The secondary battery which using a liquid electrolyte was indicated had some weakness. A solid polymer electrolyte is an alternative electrolytes membrane which developed in order to replace the liquid electrolyte type. In the present study, the effect of phosphorylation on to polymer electrolyte membrane which synthesized from chitosan and lithium perchlorate salts was investigated. The effect of the component’s composition respectively on the properties of polymer electrolyte, was carried out by analyzed of it’s characterization such as functional groups, ion conductivity, and thermal properties. The mechanical properties i.e tensile resistance and the morphology structure of membrane surface were determined. The phosphorylation processing of polymer electrolyte membrane of chitosan and lithium perchlorate was conducted by immersing with phosphoric acid for 2 hours, and then irradiated on a microwave for 60 seconds. The degree of deacetylation of chitosan derived from shrimp shells was obtained around 75.4%. Relative molecular mass of chitosan was obtained by viscometry method is 796,792 g/mol. The ionic conductivity of chitosan membrane was increase from 6.33 × 10{sup −6} S/cm up to 6.01 × 10{sup −4} S/cm after adding by 15 % solution of lithium perchlorate. After phosphorylation, the ionic conductivity of phosphorylated lithium chitosan membrane was observed 1.37 × 10{sup −3} S/cm, while the tensile resistance of 40.2 MPa with a better thermal resistance. On the strength of electrolyte membrane properties, this polymer electrolyte membrane was suggested had one potential used for polymer electrolyte in field of lithium battery applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Solid state {sup 31}P MAS NMR spectroscopy and conductivity measurements on NbOPO{sub 4} and H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} composite materials

A systematic study of composite powders of niobium oxide phosphate (NbOPO{sub 4}) and phosphoric acid (H{sub 3}PO{sub 4}) has been performed in order to characterize the material's ability to perform as an electrolyte material in medium temperature fuel cells and electrolyzers. Powders of H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} contents between 13.1 and 74.2 M% were produced and characterized with powder X-ray diffraction, {sup 31}P MAS NMR and impedance spectroscopy. NMR revealed that a significant degree of dehydration and vaporization of H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} takes place above 200 °C, and increases with temperature. At 500 °C the NbOPO{sub 4} and H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} has reacted to form niobium pyrophosphate (Nb{sub 2}P{sub 4}O{sub 15}). Impedance spectroscopy showed an increase in conductivity with increasing acid concentration, whereas the conductivity decreased slightly with increasing temperature. The highest conductivity measured was 2.5·10{sup −3} S/cm for a sample containing 74.2 M% of H{sub 3}PO{sub 4}. Lastly, it was shown that NbOPO{sub 4} has no significant conductivity of its own. - Graphical abstract: Conductivity of NbOPO{sub 4}/H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} composites as a function of equivalent P{sub 2}O{sub 5} content. The conductivity is insignificant for pure NbOPO{sub 4}. - Highlights: • Composites have been made from NbOPO{sub 4} and H{sub 3}PO{sub 4}. • The composites composition has been investigated with solid state NMR. • The composites have shown clear signs of acid dehydration upon heating. • The conductivity of the composites increases for increasing acid content. • NbOPO{sub 4} has no significant conductivity of its own.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Purification and Concentration of 99 Mo from a UREX raffinate

The medical isotope 99m Tc ( t ½ = 6.0 h) accounts for over 80% of isotopes used in diagnostic nuclear medicine today and is normally derived from its transient equilibrium parent 99 Mo ( t ½ = 66 h). To reduce U.S. dependence on 99 Mo derived from HEU by foreign suppliers, the NNSA/M3 program—under the American Medical Isotope Production Act—has been tasked with facilitating the work of domestic 99 Mo suppliers that do not utilize HEU. Superconducting electron linear accelerators with high-Z converter targets can generate bremsstrahlung photons and neutron fluxes that can induce photonuclear reactions and LEU fission. After sufficient production intervals, targets can be rotated out and processed while another batch is irradiated. The process flow chemistry is shown in Figure 1. The irradiated U 3 O 8 targets are retrieved and dissolved in HNO 3 ; the volatile fission products are expelled and captured during this step. The HNO 3 liquor bearing the uranyl, fission and activation products is injected into the UREX suite of liquid-liquid extraction banks. The uranyl is partitioned in typical fashion using tri-$\textit{n}$-butyl phosphate (TBP) in a hydrocarbon diluent. The raffinate—comprising mainly 99 Mo and fission products—is then injected into the MoLLE (Molybdenum Liquid-Liquid Extraction) flowsheet, where the Mo is selectively extracted by an organophosphorous acid extractant such as di-(2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid) (HDEHP). Trace amounts of Nb, Zr, Np, I, and Te are co-extracted. The Mo is stripped using acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) and fed onto an anion exchange column. Following a series of hydroxide, HCl, and oxalic acid wash steps, the Mo can be recovered in NaOH/NaCl. A manuscript describing this process chemistry in more detail was recently published.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Innovative Non-PGM Catalysts for High-Temperature PEMFCs

The objective of this project was to revolutionize high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology based on polymer membranes imbibed with phosphoric acid through development of stable, high-performance non-precious cathode catalysts. High-temperature PEMFCs operate in a range of 150-220 degrees centigrade, making them ideal candidates for combined heat and power (CHP) applications. Successful catalyst development showed potential to be translated to other solid acid systems such as those based on the Cs2HPO4 (CDP) electrolyte. This incubator effort was however exclusively focused on catalyst development for H3PO4-imbibed PEMFCs.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Technology Development and Integration for Volume Production of High Purity Rare Earth Metals from Phosphate Processing

Under this project and in collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Florida International University (FIU), and Mosaic, the FIPR Institute successfully developed and demonstrated on laboratory batch scale a complete processing technology for production of high-purity rare earth elements (REE) in the form of mixed rare earth oxides (MREO) and rare earth metals (REM) using phosphoric acid sludge (a byproduct from phosphate mining) as the REE feedstock. Based on the research results, a technical research plan has been developed with expanded team members to elevate the technology readiness level (TRL) of the subject technology from 4 to 6 by conducting continuous testing of the processing flowsheet with the ultimate goal of producing about 900 tons per year of REM using the phosphate mining byproduct. Those 900 tons of REM would contain approximately 180 tons of Y, 120 tons of Nd, 50 tons of Gd, 37 tons of Dy, 33 tons of Sm, and 31 tons of Pr, meeting the US demand of roughly 39%, 6%, 42%, 48%, 101% and 7% for these elements, respectively. The advanced technologies for REE separation and purification involves three technology companies: K-Technologies, Inc. would test their continuous-ion-exchange/continuous-ion chromatography technologies on both the REE leachate and solvent extraction concentrate for 4 production of high-purity individual or binary REM. Rare Earth Salts would test their innovative electrochemical technology on the REE leachate or re-dissolved MREO in dilute acid for production of high-purity individual or binary REM. Rare Earth Technologies, Inc. would evaluate their advanced chromatographic separation technology on the dissolved MREO product for production of high-purity individual or binary REM.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Actinide and Lanthanide Ion Transport Across Supported Liquid Membranes

In this paper, we propose a new transport mechanism for metal ions relevant for used nuclear fuel separation processes by a supported liquid membrane (SLM). Two SLM extraction systems were investigated where the membrane was impregnated with either di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) or tributyl phosphate (TBP). A HDEHP impregnated membrane was used to extract neodymium (III), representative of a typical trivalent lanthanide. Cerium, which was oxidized by sodium bismuthate from trivalent to tetravalent state, was extracted by TBP. Oxidized cerium was used as a surrogate for oxidized americium to investigate the kinetics and possibility of americium and curium separation by membrane extraction. Both extraction systems were operated at varying nitric acid concentrations, and changes in the kinetics and extraction efficiency of metal ions were investigated. The proposed transport mechanism that was chosen for our studies was modified from the previous works by Danesi et al.[1,2] and Cussler et al.[3] The mechanism was selected due to the ability to accommodate and describe transport phenomena across a SLM when formation of extractant nano-channels in the membrane may exist. We were able to obtain acceptable fit of the models to our overall data trends although chemical and physical conditions must be well established and purity and homogeneity of the membrane are critical. A reverse transport of metal ions was observed when leaving the system for longer times which agrees with our model. The membrane was investigated for degradation and shown to be stable after contact with up to 7 M nitric acid for over 2000 minutes. Finally, we examined the possibility of partitioning americium from curium using a SLM impregnated by TBP. Separation of americium from curium was observed although not to a degree that was expected based on the Ce(IV) transport. Incomplete oxidation of Am(III) to Am(V) and reduction of Am(VI) on the membrane surface are possible causes for this observed discrepancy. Our model was, however, able to accurately predict Cm(III) transport through the membrane.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Size-controlled synthesis of anatase nanobrush structures with higher crystal density

Highlights: • Application of AAO as template for TiO{sub 2} nanowires synthesis. • Non-hydrolytic sol-gel method as an implementation of TiO{sub 2} into AAO template. • Vertical anchorage of TiO2 nanowires to the polymer support. • Photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange correlate with geometric surface area of TiO{sub 2}. - Abstract: Titanium dioxide was synthesized in multistep process applying of AAO (Anode Aluminum Oxide) as a template. The TiO{sub 2} nanowires were obtained by deposition of titanium precursors inside the pores of AAO membranes (non-hydrolytic sol-gel technique), calcined at 875 K with subsequent removal of alumina matrix by leaching it with phosphoric acid. During the AAO synthesis, it was proved that the electrical work can serve as the unified factor influencing the amount of formed AAO. The diameters of obtained titania nanowires were consequence of used AAO membranes. The higher density of titania elementary cell was observed for all synthesized nanostructures. It was confirmed by XRD and SAED measurements. The TiO{sub 2} nanowires attached vertically to polymer disc (50 mm diameter) were used in photocatalytic decomposition of methyl orange. All nanomaterials showed ten times higher photocatalytic activity than P-25. High photoactivity of obtained material is related to external area of vertically aligned titania nanowires.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microemulsions and Aggregation Formation in Extraction Processes for Used Nuclear Fuel: Thermodynamic and Structural Studies

Advanced nuclear fuel cycles rely on successful chemical separation of various elements in the used fuel. Numerous solvent extraction (SX) processes have been developed for the recovery and purification of metal ions from this used material. However, the predictability of process operations has been challenged by the lack of a fundamental understanding of the chemical interactions in several of these separation systems. For example, gaps in the thermodynamic description of the mechanism and the complexes formed will make predictions very challenging. Recent studies of certain extraction systems under development and a number of more established SX processes have suggested that aggregate formation in the organic phase results in a transformation of its selectivity and efficiency. Aggregation phenomena have consistently been interfering in SX process development, and have, over the years, become synonymous with an undesirable effect that must be prevented. This multiyear, multicollaborative research effort was carried out to study solvation and self-organization in non-aqueous solutions at conditions promoting aggregation phenomena. Our approach to this challenging topic was to investigate extraction systems comprising more than one extraction reagent where synergy of the metal ion could be observed. These systems were probed for the existence of stable microemulsions in the organic phase, and a number of high-end characterization tools were employed to elucidate the role of the aggregates in metal ion extraction. The ultimate goal was to find connections between synergy of metal ion extraction and reverse micellar formation. Our main accomplishment for this project was the expansion of the understanding of metal ion complexation in the extraction system combining tributyl phosphate (TBP) and dibutyl phosphoric acid (HDBP). We have found that for this system no direct correlation exists for the metal ion extraction and the formation of aggregates, meaning that the metal ion is not solubilized in a reverse micelle core. Rather we have found solid evidence that the metal ions are extracted and coordinated by the organic ligands as suggested by classic SX theories. However, we have challenged the existence of mixed complexes that have been suggested to exist in this particular extraction system. Most importantly we have generated a wealth of information and trained students on important lab techniques and strengthened the collaboration between the DOE national laboratories and US educational institution involved in this work.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Effect of curing conditions on the dimensional and thermal stability of calcium phosphate cement for elevated temperature applications

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) are attractive materials for elevated temperature applications, like moulds to process thermoplastics up to 300 °C. The CPC resulting from the reaction of wollastonite with phosphoric acid cured at room temperature however contains hydrated phases like brushite, and is thus not stable when exposed to temperatures above 200 °C. A non-contact method based on digital image correlation demonstrated that isothermal curing at 60 °C reduces the thermal shrinkage up to 300 °C by 25%. This curing method results in the direct formation of the more stable monetite in a shorter curing time. The correlated results of TGA, pH of the filtration water, and DSC analysis on partially cured material indicate this. XRD diffractograms and SEM images in combination with EDX show the evolution of the transformation of wollastonite into monetite, and the structure and morphology of the formed material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Superluminescent light emitting diodes on naturally survived InGaN/GaN lateral nanowires

We demonstrate a method for nanowire formation by natural selection during wet anisotropic chemical etching in boiling phosphoric acid. Nanowires of sub-10 nm lateral dimensions and lengths of 700 nm or more are naturally formed during the wet etching due to the convergence of the nearby crystallographic hexagonal etch pits. These nanowires are site controlled when formed in augmentation with dry etching. Temperature and power dependent photoluminescence characterizations confirm excitonic transitions up to room temperature. The exciton confinement is enhanced by using two-dimensional confinement whereby enforcing greater overlap of the electron-hole wave-functions. The surviving nanowires have less defects and a small temperature variation of the output electroluminescent light. We have observed superluminescent behaviour of the light emitting diodes formed on these nanowires. There is no observable efficiency roll off for current densities up to 400 A/cm{sup 2}.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2021

Understanding the setting and hardening process of wollastonite-based brushite cement. Part 2: Influence of the boron and aluminum concentrations in the mixing solution

The mixing solution of wollastonite-based brushite cement is a phosphoric acid solution containing metallic cations and borax. This work complements a previous study devoted to the influence of the H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} concentration, Ca/P and liquid-to-solid (l/s) ratios on the setting and hardening process of the binder by providing new insight into the role of aluminum and boron. Boron retards the setting and decreases the heat released during the process. It also contributes to reduce the macroporosity of the hardened material but yields to poor compressive strength. With aluminum in the mixing solution, the mechanical properties are greatly improved thanks to the precipitation of an amorphous aluminophosphate which increases the density of the cement matrix. But aluminum alone leads to fast setting. A joint addition of boron and aluminum to the mixing solution makes it possible to get a material with optimized properties both in fresh and hardened states.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Oxygen Reduction on Platinum-Nickel and Platinum-Cobalt Alloy Based Catalysts for High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Catalyst layers, with commercial PtNi/TKK (TECNiE52; platinum 46.5 wt%), PtCo/TKK (TEC36E52; platinum 45.8 wt%) catalysts, and an in-house catalyst PtNi-NC (platinum 38.4 wt%), synthesised using acoustic mixer and a tube furnace, are prepared using three different ionomers: 20 wt% Nafion®, 60 wt% polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and an in-house 5 wt% ionomer (‘Ionomer X’). These inks are bar-coated onto carbon paper gas diffusion layers (GDLs), which are cut into 3 cm × 5 cm pieces. The coated layers are tested for oxygen reduction in a commercial gas diffusion electrode (GDE) test cell, FlexCell® (Gaskatel GmbH, Germany), using 85 wt% phosphoric acid at both room temperature and at 155°C. This study evaluates the polynorbornene (PNB)-based in-house ionomer performance as binder and in-house catalyst oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity in comparison to commercial products. The catalyst layers are characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). Among the catalyst layers prepared with PTFE ionomer and tested at 155°C, the in-house catalyst demonstrates the highest ORR activity. Ionomer X proves to be a good candidate to be used as a per- and polyfluoroalkyl-free binder for high-temperature (HT) proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications.

85 wt% phosphoric acid↗
DOE OSTI2025

Liquid Sorption-Enhanced Haber–Bosch Process

The use of a liquid sorbent in a traditional Haber-Bosch process enables significant improvements in energy efficiency and potential cost savings for arguably the most important chemical process on the planet. The approach presented in this report employs an incompressible liquid sorbent that absorbs and releases ammonia (NH 3 ) under specific conditions. To achieve this, we investigate reactions of ammonia and pure phosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4 , PA), which rapidly neutralize to form an equilibrated solution of monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) that functions as a reversible and regenerable sorbent. Through intimate contact of the gas-phase Haber-Bosch reaction mixture with this liquid absorbent, complete equilibrium uptake may be achieved in an appropriately sized separator, and facile separation occurs through the use of independent liquid and gas phases. Following depressurization and release of the ammonia product, only the incompressible fluid needs to be repressurized and returned to the reactor. This study documents proof-of-concept absorption and desorption experiments carried out in 75 mL batch reactors, predominantly charged with precise MAP and DAP mixtures that equilibrate at process-relevant temperatures and pressures. We then assemble the first thermodynamic relationships that underlie this advantaged separation strategy, validated by reactive force field (ReaxFF) interatomic potential simulations, and benchmarked with traditional separation routes via process modeling and technoeconomic analysis. The scale of energy consumption in the century-old Haber-Bosch process is massive, and the elegant liquid sorption approach reported here offers opportunities to enhance its energy efficiency for the next frontier of ammonia synthesis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Determine rate of reaction of hydroxyl radical with carboxylic acids and polyaminocarboxylates

In the Advanced TALSPEAK process, the bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) extractant used in the traditional TALSPEAK process is replaced by the extractant 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2- ethylhexyl ester (HEH[EHP]). In addition, the aqueous phase complexant and buffer used in traditional TALSPEAK is replaced with the combination of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine-N,N’,N’-triacetic acid (HEDTA) and citric acid. In order to evaluate the possible impacts of gamma radiolysis upon the efficacy of the Advanced TALSPEAK flowsheet, aqueous and organic phases corresponding to the extraction section of the proposed flowsheet were irradiated in the INL test loop under an ambient atmosphere. The results of these studies conducted at INL, led INL researchers to conclude that the scarcity of values of rate constants for the reaction of hydroxyl radical with the components of the Advanced TALSPEAK process chemistry was severely limiting the interpretation of the results of radiolysis studies performed at the INL. In this work, the rate of reaction of hydroxyl radical with citric acid at several pH and HEDTA at several pH values was measured using a competitive pulse radiolysis technique. The results reported here demonstrate the importance of obtaining hydroxyl radical reaction rate data for the conditions that closely resemble actual solution conditions expected to be used in an actual solvent extraction process. This report describes those results and is written in completion of milestone M3FT-17IN030102014.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗