Solvent extraction of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) from nitrate media by Cyanex 923

Abstract

The extraction behaviour of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) from nitrate solutions has been investigated using Cyanex 923 (TRPO) in xylene as an extractant. The extraction data have been analyzed by both graphical and theoretical methods by taking into account complexation of the metal ion in the aqueous phase with inorganic ligands and all plausible complexes extracted into the organic phase. The results demonstrate that these metal ions are extracted into xylene as Th(NO3)4 · 2 TRPO and UO2(NO3)2 · 2 TRPO. The equilibrium constants of the extracted complexes have been deduced by non-linear regression analysis. Infrared spectral data of the extracted complexes have been used to further clarify the nature of the complexes. The selectivities between these metal ions were evaluated and compared with commercially important extractants like tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP).