Scaling high-speed counter-current chromatography for preparative neodymium purification: Insights and challenges.

Efficient rare earth element (REE) separations are becoming increasingly important to technologies ranging from renewable energy and high-performance magnets to applied radioisotope separations. These separations are made challenging by the extremely similar chemical and physical characteristics of the individual elements, which almost always occupy the 3+ oxidation state under ambient conditions. Herein, we discuss the development of a novel REE separation aimed at obtaining purified samples of neodymium (Nd) on a multi-milligram scale using high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). The method takes advantage of the subtle differences in ionic radii between neighboring REEs to tune elution rates in dilute acid through implementation of the di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP)-infused stationary phase (SP) of the column. A La/Ce/Nd/Sm separation was demonstrated at a significantly higher metal loading than previously accomplished by HSCCC (15 mg, RNd/REE > 0.85), while the Pr/Nd separation was achieved at lower metal loadings (0.3 mg, RNd/Pr = 0.75 - 0.83). The challenges associated with scaling REE separations via HSCCC are presented and discussed within.

A new method for quantifying 64Cu in nuclear debris samples.

Quantifying 64Cu in post-detonation nuclear debris samples can provide important diagnostic information regarding the structural materials used within a nuclear device. However, this task is challenging due to the weak gamma emissions associated with the decay of 64Cu, its short half-life (12.701 h), and the presence of interfering fission product radioisotopes. Large quantities of debris sample are generally needed to accurately quantify 64Cu, which can be problematic in sample-limited scenarios where other radiometric analyses are required. Herein, we present a new method for the separation of 64Cu from solutions of mixed fission products and demonstrate the quantification of its activity through use of gas-flow proportional beta counting. The new method was validated through a series of rigorous tests and was shown to improve the detection limit of 64Cu by over two orders of magnitude, from 2.5 × 106 to 1.3 × 104 atoms/sample for 100 min measurements.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene to Actinide d-Based π-bonding Correlates with Observed Metal-Carbene Bond Length Shortening Versus Lanthanide Congeners.

Comparison of bonding and electronic structural features between trivalent lanthanide (Ln) and actinide (An) complexes across homologous series' of molecules can provide insights into subtle and overt periodic trends. Of keen interest and debate is the extent to which the valence f- and d-orbitals of trivalent Ln/An ions engage in covalent interactions with different ligand donor functionalities and, crucially, how bonding differences change as both the Ln and An series are traversed. Synthesis and characterization (SC-XRD, NMR, UV-vis-NIR, and computational modeling) of the homologous lanthanide and actinide N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes [M(C5Me5)2(X)(IMe4)] {X = I, M = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, U, Np, Pu; X = Cl, M = Nd; X = I/Cl, M = Nd, Am; and IMe4 = [C(NMeCMe)2]} reveals consistently shorter An-C vs Ln-C distances that do not substantially converge upon reaching Am3+/Nd3+ comparison. Specifically, the difference of 0.064(6) Å observed in the La/U pair is comparable to the 0.062(4) Å difference observed in the Nd/Am pair. Computational analyses suggest that the cause of this unusual observation is rooted in the presence of π-bonding with the valence d-orbital manifold in actinide complexes that is not present in the lanthanide congeners. This is in contrast to other documented cases of shorter An-ligand vs Ln-ligand distances, which are often attributed to increased 5f vs 4f radial diffusivity leading to differences in 4f and 5f orbital bonding involvement. Moreover, in these traditional observations, as the 5f series is traversed, the 5f manifold contracts such that by americium structural studies often find no statistically significant Am3+vs Nd3+ metal-ligand bond length differences.

Separation of rare earth element radioisotopes by reverse-phase high-speed counter-current chromatography.

Analytical scale purification of rare earth element (REE) radioisotopes is typically accomplished using cation-exchange resins (e.g. AG 50W-X8) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Despite the variety of improvements made since the development of this separation process in the 1950s, nearest neighbor separations remain a challenge, as does the issue of irreversible sample adsorption. Herein, we report a study that evaluates the potential of high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) as an alternative method for purifying REE elements, with specific reference to separations of fission product REE of interest to nuclear forensics. Complementary HSCCC REE separation experiments, one spiked with radiotracer and REE fission product activity, allowed for in depth analysis of resulting fractions from both an elemental (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, ICP-AES) and radiological (gamma-ray spectrometry, beta counting) purity perspective. The highly reproducible nature of separation profiles generated from HSCCC instruments was leveraged to simplify work-up of samples containing radioisotopes. Subsequent radioanalytical evaluation revealed minimal carryover of Eu into neighboring Sm and Tb fractions (as indicated by presence of 150Eu), and trace contamination of the Tb fraction with Y (as indicated by presence of 91Y). Subtle differences in stationary phase retention across the two columns were reflected in significant variations in decontamination factors of duplicate parallel separations. These differences paired with obtained distribution of radioisotopes provided valuable insights into future improvements. Collectively, this study represents a significant step forward in development of HSCCC technology for task specific REE radioisotope purification.

Trace Actinide Signatures of a Bulk Neptunium Sample.

In nuclear forensic analyses, measurements of actinide elements in a sample can assist with identifying interdicted or unknown materials. While these radiochemical signatures have been extensively investigated in uranium materials, less is known about bulk neptunium samples. This paper describes the measurement of trace actinide concentrations and isotopic profiles in a 237Np oxide sample. Uranium, plutonium, americium, and curium concentrations and isotopic profiles in the sample were determined and deemed potentially useful for distinguishing different sources of 237Np. Several different potential radiochronometry systems were also investigated; discordant results indicate that the Np sample was never completely purified of other actinide elements, or that subsequent contamination of the sample occurred. Few prior studies of neptunium materials have been reported, and these data suggest that trace actinide constituents could provide unique signatures to identify material out of regulatory control.

Chemical separation and measurement of platinum activation products.

A method has been developed to purify and measure platinum radioisotopes in the presence of fission products and environmental constituents. The method uses a combination of cation exchange and anion exchange chromatography and selective precipitation steps to remove other radioisotopes from the sample. The addition of stable platinum carrier allows for a gravimetric determination of the chemical yield of the procedure. Overall, the method is fast, simple, and potentially applicable for rapid turnaround of unknown samples. Using this method, multiple platinum radioisotopes were measured in two different irradiation experiments. The measured ratios of the platinum radioisotopes clearly reflect the neutron spectrum of the irradiation, suggesting that platinum radioisotopes could be valuable signatures in nuclear forensic analyses.

Rare earth element separations by high-speed counter-current chromatography.

Following the initial development of High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography (HSCCC) in the 1960s, several studies have explored its applicability in the separation of rare earth elements (REEs). More recently, however, HSCCC publications have transitioned towards the separation of natural products or pharmaceuticals, leaving the application for REEs largely unexplored from a practical standpoint. Herein, we expand upon prior work in this field by evaluating the suitability of HSCCC to separation of a subset of non-radioactive REEs (Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, and Y) at 10-4 mol levels using di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) in n-heptane as the stationary phase and hydrochloric acid as the mobile phase. First, the effect of flow rate on the stationary phase volume retention ratio and resolution of Nd/Sm/Eu subgroup was evaluated followed by optimization of step-gradient elution profiles resulting in additional recovery of Tb and Y within a seven-hour window. The five REEs were separated at the baseline resolution level or above. Elution profiles obtained from multiple runs across two independently operated columns and across independent runs were cross analyzed. Reproducibility in elution profiles point to future applications in radioelement separation chemistry, where both chemical and radiochemical purity are of importance.

Intercomparison of the Radio-Chronometric Ages of Plutonium-Certified Reference Materials with Distinct Isotopic Compositions.

An intercomparison of the radio-chronometric ages of four distinct plutonium-certified reference materials varying in chemical form, isotopic composition, and period of production are presented. The cross-comparison of the different 234U/238Pu, 235U/239Pu, 236U/240Pu, and 241Am/241Pu model purification ages obtained at four independent analytical facilities covering a range of laboratory environments from bulk sample processing to clean facilities dedicated to nuclear forensic investigation of environmental samples enables a true assessment of the state-of-practice in "age dating capabilities" for nuclear materials. The analytical techniques evaluated used modern mass spectrometer instrumentation including thermal ionization mass spectrometers and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers for isotopic abundance measurements. Both multicollector and single collector instruments were utilized to generate the data presented here. Consensus values established in this study make it possible to use these isotopic standards as quality control standards for radio-chronometry applications. Results highlight the need for plutonium isotopic standards that are certified for 234U/238Pu, 235U/239Pu, 236U/240Pu, and 241Am/241Pu model purification ages as well as other multigenerational radio-chronometers such as 237Np/241Pu. Due to the capabilities of modern analytical instrumentation, analytical laboratories that focus on trace level analyses can obtain model ages with marginally larger uncertainties than laboratories that handle bulk samples. When isotope ratio measurement techniques like thermal ionization mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with comparable precision are utilized, model purification ages with similar uncertainties are obtained.

Complexation of High-Valency Mid-Actinides by a Lipophilic Schiff Base Ligand: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Progress toward Selective Extraction.

Separation of U, Np, and Pu from used nuclear fuel (UNF) would result in lower long-term radiotoxicity, alleviating constraints on the storage and handling of the material. The complexity of UNF requires several industrial-scale processes with multiple waste streams. A one-step solution to the group removal of the elements, U-Pu, is desirable. Here we present a possible solution to group actinide separation utilizing the unique dioxy conformation of An(V/VI) cations and demonstrate the ability of a tetradentate lipophilic Schiff base ligand (L) to yield isostructural complexes of the general formula [(AnVIO2)(L)(CH3CN)] (where An = U, Np, or Pu). Extraction of An(VI) with the ligand follows the order U > Pu > Np, likely reflecting the decreased stability of the hexavalent actinide across the series. While the results indicate a promising path toward a one-step process, further improvement in the ligand stability and control of the redox chemistry is required.

Water-soluble Schiff base-actinyl complexes and their effect on the solvent extraction of f-elements.

Conventional solvent extraction of selected f-element cations by bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) yields increased extraction from aqueous to organic solution along the series Np(v) < Cm(iii) < Eu(iii) < U(vi), with distribution ratios all within two orders of magnitude. However, in the presence of the water-soluble tetradentate Schiff base (N,N'-bis(5-sulfonatosalicylidene)-ethylenediamine or H2salenSO3), selective complexation of the two actinyl cations (Np(v) and U(vi)) resulted in an extraction order of Np(v) < U(vi) ≪ Eu(iii) < Cm(iii). The extraction of neither Cm(iii) or Eu(iii) by HDEHP are significantly impacted by the presence of the aqueous phase Schiff base. Despite observed hydrolytic decomposition of H2salenSO3 in aqueous solutions, the calculated high conditional stability constant (ß11 = 26) for the complex [UO2(salenSO3)]2- demonstrates its capacity for aqueous hold-back of U(vi). UV-visible-NIR spectroscopy of solutions prepared with a Np(vi) stock and H2salenSO3 suggest that reduction of Np(vi) to Np(v) by the ligand was rapid, resulting in a pentavalent Np complex that was substantially retained in the aqueous phase. Results from 1H NMR of aqueous solutions of H2salenSO3 with U(vi) and La(iii), Eu(iii), and Lu(iii) provides additional evidence that the ligand readily chelates U(vi), but has only weak interactions with trivalent lanthanide ions.

Unexpected Actinyl Cation-Directed Structural Variation in Neptunyl(VI) A-Type Tri-lacunary Heteropolyoxotungstate Complexes.

A-type tri-lacunary heteropolyoxotungstate anions (e.g., [PW9O34](9-), [AsW9O34](9-), [SiW9O34](10-), and [GeW9O34](10-)) are multidentate oxygen donor ligands that readily form sandwich complexes with actinyl cations ({UO2}(2+), {NpO2}(+), {NpO2}(2+), and {PuO2}(2+)) in near-neutral/slightly alkaline aqueous solutions. Two or three actinyl cations are sandwiched between two tri-lacunary anions, with additional cations (Na(+), K(+), or NH4(+)) also often held within the cluster. Studies thus far have indicated that it is these additional +1 cations, rather than the specific actinyl cation, that direct the structural variation in the complexes formed. We now report the structural characterization of the neptunyl(VI) cluster complex (NH4)13[Na(NpO2)2(A-α-PW9O34)2]·12H2O. The anion in this complex, [Na(NpO2)2(PW9O34)2](13-), contains one Na(+) cation and two {NpO2}(2+) cations held between two [PW9O34](9-) anions, with an additional partial occupancy NH4(+) or {NpO2}(2+) cation also present. In the analogous uranium(VI) system, under similar reaction conditions that include an excess of NH4Cl in the parent solution, it was previously shown that [(NH4)2(U(VI)O2)2(A-PW9O34)2](12-) is the dominant species in both solution and the crystallized salt. Spectroscopic studies provide further proof of differences in the observed chemistry for the {NpO2}(2+)/[PW9O34](9-) and {UO2}(2+)/[PW9O34](9-) systems, both in solution and in solid state complexes crystallized from comparable salt solutions. This work reveals that varying the actinide element (Np vs U) can indeed measurably impact structure and complex stability in the cluster chemistry of actinyl(VI) cations with A-type tri-lacunary heteropolyoxotungstate anions.

Bonding trends traversing the tetravalent actinide series: synthesis, structural, and computational analysis of An(IV)((Ar)acnac)4 complexes (An = Th, U, Np, Pu; (Ar)acnac = ArNC(Ph)CHC(Ph)O; Ar = 3,5-(t)Bu2C6H3).

A series of tetravalent An(IV) complexes with a bis-phenyl ß-ketoiminate N,O donor ligand has been synthesized with the aim of identifying bonding trends and changes across the actinide series. The neutral molecules are homoleptic with the formula An((Ar)acnac)(4) (An = Th (1), U (2), Np (3), Pu (4); (Ar)acnac = ArNC(Ph)CHC(Ph)O; Ar = 3,5-(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(3)) and were synthesized through salt metathesis reactions with actinide chloride precursors. NMR and electronic absorption spectroscopy confirm the purity of all four new compounds and demonstrate stability in both solution and the solid state. The Th, U, and Pu complexes were structurally elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and shown to be isostructural in space group C2/c. Analysis of the bond lengths reveals shortening of the An-O and An-N distances arising from the actinide contraction upon moving from 1 to 2. The shortening is more pronounced upon moving from 2 to 4, and the steric constraints of the tetrakis complexes appear to prevent the enhanced U-O versus Pu-O orbital interactions previously observed in the comparison of UI(2)((Ar)acnac)(2) and PuI(2)((Ar)acnac)(2) bis-complexes. Computational analysis of models for 1, 2, and 4 (1a, 2a, and 4a, respectively) concludes that both the An-O and the An-N bonds are predominantly ionic for all three molecules, with the An-O bonds being slightly more covalent. Molecular orbital energy level diagrams indicate the largest 5f-ligand orbital mixing for 4a (Pu), but spatial overlap considerations do not lead to the conclusion that this implies significantly greater covalency in the Pu-ligand bonding. QTAIM bond critical point data suggest that both U-O/U-N and Pu-O/Pu-N are marginally more covalent than the Th analogues.

Synthesis and structure of (Ph4P)2MCl6 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, Th, U, Np, Pu).

High-purity syntheses are reported for a series of first, second, and third row transition metal and actinide hexahalide compounds with equivalent, noncoordinating countercations: (Ph(4)P)(2)TiF(6) (1) and (Ph(4)P)(2)MCl(6) (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, Th, U, Np, Pu; 2-8). While a reaction between MCl(4) (M = Zr, Hf, U) and 2 equiv of Ph(4)PCl provided 3, 4, and 6, syntheses for 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8 required multistep procedures. For example, a cation exchange reaction with Ph(4)PCl and (NH(4))(2)TiF(6) produced 1, which was used in a subsequent anion exchange reaction with Me(3)SiCl to synthesize 2. For 5, 7, and 8, synthetic routes starting with aqueous actinide precursors were developed that circumvented any need for anhydrous Th, Np, or Pu starting materials. The solid-state geometries, bond distances and angles for isolated ThCl(6)(2-), NpCl(6)(2-), and PuCl(6)(2-) anions with noncoordinating counter cations were determined for the first time in the X-ray crystal structures of 5, 7, and 8. Solution phase and solid-state diffuse reflectance spectra were also used to characterize 7 and 8. Transition metal MCl(6)(2-) anions showed the anticipated increase in M-Cl bond distances when changing from M = Ti to Zr, and then a decrease from Zr to Hf. The M-Cl bond distances also decreased from M = Th to U, Np, and Pu. Ionic radii can be used to predict average M-Cl bond distances with reasonable accuracy, which supports a principally ionic model of bonding for each of the (Ph(4)P)(2)MCl(6) complexes.

Stabilising pentavalent actinides--visible-near infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies of the utility of the [(Np3W4O15)(H2O)3(MW9O33)3]18- (M = Sb, Bi) structural type.

We report the interaction between B-type tri-lacunary heteropolyoxotungstate anions and actinyl(V) cations in aqueous solution, yielding a greater understanding of the stability of the O≡An≡O(1+) linear dioxo actinide moiety. Previously we reported that B-α-[BiW(9)O(33)](9-) and B-α-[SbW(9)O(33)](9-) will react with NpO(2)(1+) to yield [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(MW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) (M = Bi, or Sb). Single crystal structural characterisation of salts of these complexes revealed a core in which three Np(V) atoms interact with a central W(VI) atom through bridging oxo groups. These bridging oxygen atoms come from one of the two axial oxygens in O≡Np≡O(1+) and represent a highly unusual interaction for a discrete molecular species. In this study visible/near infra-red spectroscopy indicates that [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(BiW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) could be readily stabilized in solution at near neutral pH for several months, with (NH(4))(14)Na(4)[(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(39)BiW(9)O(33))(3)]·62H(2)O crystallising from solution in high yield. At lower pH and [BiW(9)O(33)](9-) : NpO(2)(1+) ratios additional Np(V) species could be observed in solution. Stabilization of [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(SbW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) in solution proved more challenging, with several distinctive Np(V) near infra-red transitions observed in solution. Slow complexation kinetics and reduction to Np(IV) was also observed. High [SbW(9)O(33)](9-) : NpO(2)(1+) molar ratios and careful control of solution pH was required to prepare solutions in which [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(SbW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) was the only neptunium containing species. In stark contrast to the NpO(2)(1+) chemistry, [BiW(9)O(33)](9-) readily oxidizes PuO(2)(1+) to PuO(2)(2+) yielding further evidence of the decreased stability of Pu(V)vs. Np(V). Np L(II)-edge XAFS measurement revealed very good agreement with single crystal diffraction data for the Np structural environment for [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(MW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) (M = Bi, or Sb) in the solid state. There was also good agreement between coordination shells for [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(BiW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) in the solid state and in solution, yielding further confirmation of the high stability of this particular cluster.

Differences in actinide metal-ligand orbital interactions: comparison of U(IV) and Pu(IV) ß-ketoiminate N,O donor complexes.

Syntheses and characterization of UCl(2)((Ar)acnac)(2), UI(2)((Ar)acnac)(2), and PuI(2)((Ar)acnac)(2) are reported ((Ar)acnac denotes a bis-phenyl ß-ketoiminate ligand where Ar = 3,5-(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(3)). Structural analyses and computations show significant metal-ligand orbital interaction differences in U(IV) vs. Pu(IV) bonding.

Structural and spectroscopic characterization of plutonyl(VI) nitrate under acidic conditions.

The plutonyl(VI) dinitrate complex [PuO(2)(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)]·H(2)O (1) has been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopically characterized by solid-state vis-NIR and Raman spectroscopies. Aqueous solution spectroscopic studies indicate only weak plutonyl(VI) nitrate complexation, with the mononitrate complex dominating and negligible dinitrate formation, even in concentrated nitric acid.

The reaction chemistry of plutonyl(VI) chloride complexes with triphenyl phosphineoxide and triphenyl phosphinimine.

The reaction between Ph(3)PO dissolved in acetone and "PuO(2)Cl(2)" in dilute HCl resulted in the formation of [PuO(2)Cl(2)(Ph(3)PO)(2)]. Crystallographic characterization of the acetone solvate revealed the expected axial trans plutonyl dioxo, with trans Cl and Ph(3)PO in the equatorial plane. Spectroscopic analyses ((31)P NMR, (1)H NMR, and vis/nIR) indicate the presence of both cis and trans isomers in solution, with the trans isomer being more stable. Confirmation of the higher stability of the trans versus cis isomers for [AnO(2)Cl(2)(Ph(3)PO)(2)] (An = U and Pu) was obtained through quantum chemical computational analysis, which also reveals the Pu-O(TPPO) bond to be more ionic than the U-O(TPPO) bond. Slight variation in reaction conditions led to the crystallization of two further minor products, [PuO(2)(Ph(3)PO)(4)][ClO(4)](2) and cis-[PuCl(2)(Ph(3)PO)(4)], the latter complex revealing the potential for reduction to Pu(IV). In addition, the reaction of Ph(3)PNH with [PuO(2)Cl(2)(thf)(2)](2) in anhydrous conditions gave evidence for the formation of both cis- and trans-[PuO(2)Cl(2)(Ph(3)PNH)(2)] in solution (by (31)P NMR). However, the major reaction pathway involved protonation of the ligand with the crystallographic characterization of [Ph(3)PNH(2)](2)[PuO(2)Cl(4)]. We believe that HCl/SiMe(3)Cl carried through from the small scale preparation of [PuO(2)Cl(2)(thf)(2)](2) was the source of both protons and chlorides. The fact that this chemistry was significantly different from previous uranium studies, where cis-/trans-[UO(2)Cl(2)L(2)] (L = Ph(3)PO or Ph(3)PNH) were the only products observed, provides further evidence of the unique challenges and opportunities associated with the chemistry of plutonium.

Luminescence in Ce(IV) polyoxometalate [Ce(W5O18)2]8-: a combined experimental and theoretical study.

Herein we describe the unique luminescent behavior observed in [Ce(IV)(W(5)O(18))(2)](8-) clusters and examine the photophysical properties using density functional theory.

Neptunium(vi) chain and neptunium(vi/v) mixed valence cluster complexes.

The synthesis of [Np(VI)O(2)Cl(2)(thf)](n) offers the potential for more detailed exploration of neptunyl(vi) chemistry, while the synthesis of the mixed valence cluster complex [{Np(VI)O(2)Cl(2)}{Np(V)O(2)Cl(thf)(3)}(2)] allows molecular neptunyl(v) 'cation-cation' interactions to be probed.

Probing the 5f electrons in a plutonyl(VI) cluster complex.

We report the structural, spectroscopic and preliminary magnetic characterisation of a tri-metallic plutonyl(VI) polyoxometalate complex, K(11)[K(3)(PuO(2))(3)(GeW(9)O(34))(2)] x 12 H(2)O.