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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Ionothermal synthesis of uranyl compounds that incorporate imidazole derivatives

Ionothermal reactions of uranyl nitrate with various salts in methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids have produced single crystals of three uranyl compounds that incorporate imidazole derivatives as charge-balancing cations. (C{sub 4}H{sub 7}N{sub 2})[(UO{sub 2})(PO{sub 3}F)(F)] (1) crystallizes in space group C2, a=17.952(1) A, b=6.9646(6) A, c=8.5062(7) A, {beta}=112.301(1) Degree-Sign , (C{sub 6}H{sub 11}N{sub 2}){sub 2}[(UO{sub 2})(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}] (2) crystallizes in space group C2/c, a=31.90(1) A, b=9.383(5) A, c=13.770(7) A, {beta}=93.999(7) Degree-Sign and (C{sub 6}H{sub 11}N{sub 2})[(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4})(HPO{sub 4}) (3) crystallizes in space group P2{sub 1}/n, a=9.307(2), b=18.067(4), c=9.765(2), {beta}=93.171(2). The U{sup 6+} cations are present as (UO{sub 2}){sup 2+} uranyl ions coordinated by three O atoms and two F atoms in 1 and five O atoms in 2 and 3 to give pentagonal bipyramids. The structural unit in 1 is composed of F-sharing dimers of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids linked into sheets through corner-sharing fluorophosphate tetrahedra. The structural unit in 2 is composed of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids with one chelating sulfate tetrahedron linked into chains by three other corner-sharing sulfate tetrahedra. In 3, the structural unit is composed of chains of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids linked into sheets through edge- and corner-sharing phosphate and hydrogen phosphate tetrahedra. N-methylimidazolium cations occupy the interstitial space between the uranyl fluorophosphate sheets in 1, whereas 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cations link the uranyl sulfate and phosphate units in 2 and 3 into extended structures. - Graphical abstract: The synthesis of uranyl compounds by ionothermal treatment is explored, and provides three novel compounds and insights concerning the role of water in controlling the structural units. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ionothermal syntheses have produced three new uranyl compounds. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Imidazole derivatives are incorporated as charge-balancing agents. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer X-ray and spectroscopic analyses reveal variability between imidazole derivatives. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer This method offers synthetic insight in the absence of water at low temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Synthesis, characterization, and crystal structures of uranyl compounds containing mixed chromium oxidation states

The mixed-valence chromium uranyl compounds Li{sub 5}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 4}(Cr(V)O{sub 5})(Cr(VI)O{sub 4}){sub 4}](H{sub 2}O){sub 17} (1), (Mg(H{sub 2}O){sub 6}){sub 5}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 8}(Cr(V)O{sub 5}){sub 2}(Cr(VI)O{sub 4}){sub 8}] (2) and (NH{sub 4}){sub 5}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 4}(Cr(V)O{sub 5})(Cr(VI)O{sub 4}){sub 2}]H{sub 2}O{sub 11} (3) have been synthesized and characterized. Each contains an identical sheet of cation-centered polyhedra. Central to the connectivity of the sheet are four uranyl pentagonal bipyramids that share some of their equatorial vertices, giving a four-membered ring. The Cr(V) cation located near the center of this ring is coordinated by O atoms in a square pyramidal arrangement. The Cr(VI) is tetrahedrally coordinated by O atoms, and these tetrahedra link the four-membered rings of bipyramids. The mixed-valence nature of the sheet was verified by XANES, an EPR spectrum, and bond-valence analysis. Low-valence cations and H{sub 2}O groups reside between the sheets of uranyl and chromate polyhedra, where they provide linkages between adjacent sheets. - Graphical abstract: Three uranyl chromate compounds contain both pentavalent and hexavalent chromium. The unusual topology of the uranyl chromate sheet contains unusual pentavalent chromium in a square pyramidal coordination environment. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The first uranyl compounds with mixed Cr valences are reported. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A sheet of uranyl polyhedra stabilizes pentavalent chromium. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Uranyl and chromate polyhedra form a topologically novel sheet.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Selectivity in ligand binding to uranyl compounds: A synthetic, structural, thermodynamic and computational study

The uranyl cation (UO₂²⁺) is the most abundant form of uranium on the planet. It is estimated that 4.5 billion tons of uranium in this form exist in sea water. The ability to bind and extract the uranyl cation from aqueous solution while separating it from other elements would provide a limitless source of nuclear fuel. A large body of research concerns the selective recognition and extraction of uranyl. A stable molecule, the cation has a linear O=U=O geometry. The short U-O bonds (1.78 Å) arise from the combination of uranium 5f/6d and oxygen 2p orbitals. Due to the oxygen moieties being multiply bonded, these sites were not thought to be basic enough for Lewis acidic coordination to be a viable approach to sequestration. The goal of this research is thus to broaden the coordination chemistry of the uranyl ion by studying new ligand systems via synthetic, structural, thermodynamic and computational methods. It is anticipated that this fundamental science will find use beyond actinide separation technologies in areas such as nuclear waste remediation and nuclear materials. The focus of this study is to synthesize uranyl complexes incorporating amidinate and guanidinate ligands. Both synthetic and computational methods are used to investigate novel equatorial ligand coordination and how this affects the basicity of the oxo ligands. Such an understanding will later apply to designing ligands incorporating functionalities that can bind uranyl both equatorially and axially for highly selective sequestration. Efficient and durable chromatography supports for lanthanide separation will be generated by (1) identifying robust peptoid-based ligands capable of binding different lanthanides with variable affinities, and (2) developing practical synthetic methods for the attachment of these ligands to Dowex ion exchange resins.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Selectivity in Ligand Binding to Uranyl Compounds: A Synthetic, Structural, Thermodynamic and Computational Study

The uranyl cation (UO 2 2+ ) is the most abundant form of uranium on the planet. It is estimated that 4.5 billion tons of uranium in this form exist in sea water. The ability to bind and extract the uranyl cation from aqueous solution while separating it from other elements would provide a limitless source of nuclear fuel. A large body of research concerns the selective recognition and extraction of uranyl. A stable molecule, the cation has a linear O=U=O geometry. The short U-O bonds (1.78 Å) arise from the combination of uranium 5f/6d and oxygen 2p orbitals. Due to the oxygen moieties being multiply bonded, these sites were not thought to be basic enough for Lewis acidic coordination to be a viable approach to sequestration. We believe that the goal of developing a practical system for uranium separation from seawater will not be attained without new insights into our existing fundamental knowledge of actinide chemistry. We posit that detailed studies of the kinetic and thermodynamic factors that influence interactions between f-elements and ligands with a range of donor atoms is essential to any major advance in this important area. The goal of this research is thus to broaden the coordination chemistry of the uranyl ion by studying new ligand systems via synthetic, structural, thermodynamic and computational methods. We anticipate that this fundamental science will find use beyond actinide separation technologies in areas such as nuclear waste remediation and nuclear materials.

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

Selective Se-for-S substitution in Cs-bearing uranyl compounds

Phase formation in the mixed sulfate-selenate aqueous system of uranyl nitrate and cesium nitrate has been investigated. Two types of crystalline compounds have been obtained and characterized using a number of experimental (single crystal XRD, FTIR, SEM) and theoretical (information-based complexity calculations, topological analysis) techniques. No miscibility gaps have been observed for Cs{sub 2}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(TO{sub 4}){sub 3}] (T= S, Se), which crystallizes in tetragonal system, P-42{sub 1}m, a =9.616(1)–9.856(2), c =8.105(1)–8.159(1) Å, V =749.6(2)–792.5(3) Å{sup 3}. Nine phases with variable amount of S and Se have been structurally characterized. The structures of the Cs{sub 2}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(TO{sub 4}){sub 3}] (T= S, Se) compounds are based upon the [(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(TO{sub 4}){sub 3}]{sup 2-} layers of corner-sharing uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and TO{sub 4} tetrahedra. The layers contain two types of tetrahedral sites: T1 (3-connected, i.e. having three O atoms shared by adjacent uranyl polyhedra) and T2 (4-connected). The Se-for-S substitution in tetrahedral sites is highly selective with smaller S{sup 6+} cation showing a strong preference for the more tightly bonded T2 site. Crystallization in the pure Se system starts with the formation of Cs{sub 2}[(UO{sub 2})(SeO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O)](H{sub 2}O) crystals, its subsequent dissolution and formation of Cs{sub 2}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(SeO{sub 4}){sub 3}]. The information-based structural complexity calculations for these two phases support the rule that more topologically complex structures form at the latest stages of crystallization. - Graphical abstract: Nine phases representing the Cs{sub 2}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(TO{sub 4}){sub 3}] (T= S, Se) solid solution series with variable amount of S and Se have been prepared by isothermal evaporation from aqueous solutions and characterized using a number of experimental and theoretical techniques. No immiscibility is observed between the pure sulfate and selenate compounds. The Se-for-S substitution in tetrahedral sites is highly selective with smaller S{sup 6+} cation showing a strong preference for the more tightly bonded 4-connected site. - Highlights: • Single crystals of novel mixed sulfate-selenate uranyl oxysalts were prepared by evaporation method. • Topological analysis and information-based complexity calculations were used for structure description. • The selective Se-for-S substitution was observed. • Evolution of phase formation in the aqueous Cs{sup +}–UO{sub 2}{sup 2+}–SO{sub 4}{sup 2–}–SeO{sub 4}{sup 2–} system was analyzed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Hydrogen bond network and bond valence analysis on uranyl sulfate compounds with organic-based interstitial cations

Seven new uranyl sulfate compounds with organic charge-balancing cations have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The structural unit topologies of the two chains and five sheets have been previously reported in uranyl sulfate crystal chemistry, although they were synthesized using different organic molecules. With the inclusion of six of these structures to the 48 previously published uranyl sulfate compounds, a total of 54 known uranyl sulfate compounds with organic charge-balancing cations were compiled and analyzed. A graphical approach was used to compare the structural unit topologies, and a bond valence approach was used to quantify the hydrogen bond networks that exist between the interstitial cationic and solvent species to the uranyl sulfate anionic structural units. Finally, this analysis helped elucidate which oxygen atoms in the structural unit receive hydrogen bonds and how the organic cations stabilize the overall crystal structures in this subclass of U(VI) materials.

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

Synthesis and characterization of heterometallic uranyl pyridinedicarboxylate compounds

The incorporation of transition metals into hybrid uranyl materials can result in more diverse structural topologies and variations in physical and chemical properties. To explore the impact of transition metals on the uranyl cation, five uranium containing bimetallic chain compounds, [(UO{sub 2})M(PDC){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}]·4(H{sub 2}O) (PDC = 2,6 pyridinedicarboxylate; M = Ni{sup 2+}, Co{sup 2+}, Fe{sup 2+}, Zn{sup 2+,} and Cu{sup 2+}) were synthesized by evaporation of aqueous solutions at room temperature. The uranyl cation is complex by two PDC ligands and the transition metal cations bond to the complex to form a one-dimensional chain topology. The presence of the transition metal leads to the presence of a stronger uranyl oxo bonds as shown by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and the Raman spectra. Solid state diffuse reflectance UV/Visible spectra confirmed the presence of the transition metals in the structure by the broad bands that appeared at relevant wavelengths. - Graphical abstract: Synthesis and characterization of [(UO{sub 2})M(2,6 pyridinedicarboxylate)(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}]·4(H{sub 2}O) [M = Ni{sup 2+}, Co{sup 2+}, Fe{sup 2+}, Zn{sup 2+}, and Cu{sup 2+}] compounds reveals impact of transition metals in uranyl hybrid systems. Display Omitted - Highlights: • 5 heterometallic uranyl PDC compounds were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic techniques. • Uranyl PDC 1-D chain complexes that were linked via transition metal cations were further linked through π- πinteractions. • Structural data denotes shorter uranyl bonds in the presence of the transition metals and this is confirmed by Raman shifts. • Solid-state UV/Vis spectroscopy confirms the presence of transition metals in this system.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Charge transfer vibronic transitions in uranyl tetrachloride compounds;

The electronic and vibronic interactions of uranyl (UO{sub 2}){sup 2+} in three tetrachloride crystals have been investigated with spectroscopic experiments and theoretical modeling. Analysis and simulation of the absorption and photoluminescence spectra have resulted in a quantitative understanding of the charge transfer vibronic transitions of uranyl in the crystals. The spectra obtained at liquid helium temperature consist of extremely narrow zero-phonon lines (ZPL) and vibronic bands. The observed ZPLs are assigned to the first group of the excited states formed by electronic excitation from the 3{sigma} ground state into the f{sub {delta}{phi}}, orbitals of uranyl. The Huang-Rhys theory of vibronic coupling is modified successfully for simulating both the absorption and luminescence spectra. It is shown that only vibronic coupling to the axially symmetric stretching mode is Franck-Condon allowed, whereas other modes are involved through coupling with the symmetric stretching mode. The energies of electronic transitions, vibration frequencies of various local modes, and changes in the O=U=O bond length of uranyl in different electronic states and in different coordination geometries are evaluated in empirical simulations of the optical spectra. Multiple uranyl sites derived from the resolution of a superlattice at low temperature are resolved by crystallographic characterization and time- and energy-resolved spectroscopic studies. The present empirical simulation provides insights into fundamental understanding of uranyl electronic interactions and is useful for quantitative characterization of uranyl coordination.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Effects of He-Ion Radiation on Solid-State Uranyl Nitrate Compounds under Dry and Hydrated Atmospheric Conditions

Radioactive decay of uranium (U) and its related daughter/fission products emit ionizing radiation, including γ (γ) rays and α (α) particles, that result in the formation of radical species and induce chemical reactivity in materials. While radioactivity is inherent to the chemistry of U there are limited studies that detail changes at an atomistic level. Here, this work describes the He-ion radiolysis of four solid-state U(VI) species: [UO 2 (NO 3 ) 2 ]·3(H 2 O) and M[UO 2 (NO 3 ) 3 ] (M = K + , Rb + , Cs + ). These materials were irradiated under different conditions (i.e. closed, open – Ar gas, or open – H 2 O-saturated Ar gas) to further evaluate the impact of water radiolysis on the chemical modification of these materials. Pre- and post-irradiation analyses were conducted using EPR, Raman, and ATR-IR spectroscopy on materials irradiated to 0, 5, 10, and 25 MGy. The results indicated the presence of nitrate radical (NO 3 • ) formation in all solid-state materials with similarities to those observed in γ-radiation studies. Irradiation of [UO 2 (NO 3 ) 2 ]·3(H 2 O) did not show evidence of reactive oxygen species bound to the U(VI) cation under inert conditions; however, surface reactivity was observed for samples irradiated in the H 2 O-saturated environment. Similar chemical changes were observed in the uranyl trinitrato compounds irradiated in the presence of H 2 O vapor and there were observed differences in the reactivity depending on the identity of the alkali cation.

38 - RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCL↗
DOE OSTI2012

Synthesis and characterization of uranyl chromate sheet compounds containing edge-sharing dimers of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids

Eight uranyl chromates have been crystallized from aqueous solution and characterized: Mg(H{sub 2}O){sub 6}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(CrO{sub 4}){sub 2}(OH){sub 2}](H{sub 2}O){sub 3} (1), (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(CrO{sub 4}){sub 2}(OH){sub 2}](H{sub 2}O){sub 3}, Rb{sub 2}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(CrO{sub 4}){sub 2}(OH){sub 2}](H{sub 2}O){sub 3} (3), Cs[(UO{sub 2})(CrO{sub 4})(OH)]H{sub 2}O (4), Rb[(UO{sub 2})(CrO{sub 4})(OH)]H{sub 2}O (5) Co(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}(Co(H{sub 2}O){sub 6}){sub 2}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 4}(CrO{sub 4}){sub 6}(OH){sub 2}](H{sub 2}O){sub 4} (6), Li{sub 2}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(CrO{sub 4}){sub 3}](H{sub 2}O){sub 7} (7), and Zn(H{sub 2}O){sub 6}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(CrO{sub 4}){sub 3}](H{sub 2}O){sub 3} (8). The structural units of 1 through 8 each consist of a sheet of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and (Cr(VI)O{sub 4}){sup 2-} tetrahedra. In each case two uranyl pentagonal bipyramids share an equatorial edge, giving a dimer that is linked into the sheet through vertex sharing with (Cr(VI)O{sub 4}){sup 2-} tetrahedra. The sheets are based upon three distinct sheet anion topologies, and the sheets based on a given anion topology can differ in the orientations of the non-bridging O atoms of (CrO{sub 4}){sup 2-} tetrahedra. The interlayers of these compounds contain either monovalent or divalent cations, as well as H{sub 2}O groups that are either bonded to the interlayer cation or are held in place by H bonding only. We explore the relationships between sheet topologies and interlayer configuration in these compounds. - Graphical abstract: Eight uranyl chromate compounds containing sheet structural units built from uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and (CrO{sub 4}){sup 2-} tetrahedra are reported. Relationships between sheet topologies and interstitial constituents is examined. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Eight uranyl Cr(VI) compounds with sheet structural units are reported. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Relationships between the topology of the uranyl chromate sheets and interlayers are examined. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Uranyl and chromate polyhedra form a topologically novel sheet.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Identification of Uranyl Minerals Using Oxygen K-Edge X Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Uranium analysis is consistently needed throughout the fuel cycle, from mining to fuel fabrication to environmental monitoring. Although most of the world’s uranium is immobilized as pitchblende or uraninite, there exists a plethora of secondary uranium minerals, nearly all of which contain the uranyl cation. Analysis of uranyl compounds can provide clues as to a sample’s facility of origin and chemical history. X-ray absorption spectroscopy is one technique that could enhance our ability to identify uranium minerals. Although there is limited chemical information to be gained from the uranium X-ray absorption edges, recent studies have successfully used ligand NEXAFS to study the physical chemistry of various uranium compounds. This study extends the use of ligand NEXAFS to analyze a suite of uranium minerals. We find that major classes of uranyl compounds (carbonate, oxyhydroxide, silicate, and phosphate) exhibit characteristic lineshapes in the oxygen K-edge absorption spectra. As a result, this work establishes a library of reference spectra that can be used to classify unknown uranyl minerals.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2018

Resonance Excitation of Photoluminescence in Crystalline Uranyl Acetate Dihydrate

A method for rapid identification of uranyl compounds based on resonance fiber-optic photoluminescence (PL) excitation by ultraviolet-laser or LED radiation is proposed. This method was used to measure the PL spectra of an extremely small volume (10{sup –9} cm{sup 3}) of crystalline uranyl acetate dehydrate UO{sub 2}(CH{sub 3}COO){sub 2} ∙ 2H{sub 2}O with an exposure of 10{sup –3} s. Semiconductor LEDs with wavelengths of 369, 385, 410, and 466 nm and a repetitively pulsed nitrogen laser with a lasing wavelength of 337 nm served as sources of excitation radiation. The operating range of a small-sized minispectrometer used in these experiments was 200–1000 nm.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗