f Element studies using cyclic voltammetry in room temperature ionic liquids

NUCL 10

Wendy J Pemberton, wpemberton@cox.net1, Ken Czerwinski, czerwin2@unlv.nevada.edu2, and David W. Hatchett, dahatchet@ccmail.nevada.edu2. (1) Department of Radiochemistry, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 454009, Las Vegas, NV 89154, (2) Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 454003, Las Vegas, NV 89154-4003
Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) have been proposed as a media for radionuclide separations. Numerous studies have examined their capabilities as solvents for extraction systems. However RTILs have the unique ability to reflect an extraordinarily large potential window of 5V or more, enabling electrochemical studies of f elements that are not possible in aqueous solutions. Low viscosity and thus high conductivity can be utilized by exploiting the tunability in designing the RTIL for electrochemical applications. Initial f element studies using Eu(NO3)3, EuCl3, and CeCl3 complexed to both the Me3BuN cation as well as the Bu3MeN cation will be presented. The effects of R-group substitution on solubility will be addressed. The results with the lanthanides are applied to actinide systems, with the electrochemical behavior of uranium complexed to the RTIL cation as well as the RTIL anion will be presented and compared to lanthanide results.
 

Meeting the Diverse Needs of the 21st Century Nuclear Science Workforce: A Symposium by Graduate Student Scientists in Nuclear and Radiochemistry
8:30 AM-12:05 PM, Sunday, August 19, 2007 Boston Park Plaza -- Lexington Room, Oral

Division of Nuclear Chemistry & Technology

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007