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Phase Analysis of Australian Uranium Ore Concentrates Determined by Variable Temperature Synchrotron Powder X-ray
Samantha B Pandelus1, Brendan J Kennedy2, Gabriel Murphy2,3
1College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.
Inorganic Chemistry
|July 22, 2021
Summary
The chemical speciation of aged uranium oxides varies by origin and storage. Diffraction analysis revealed distinct uranium oxide phases, including metaschoepite and metastudtite, in different mine samples.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Materials Science
- Crystallography
Background:
- Uranium oxide chemical speciation is influenced by sample origin and storage.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for managing uranium resources and waste.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the crystalline phases in aged uranium ore concentrates from different mines.
- To investigate the in situ thermal transitions of these uranium oxide materials.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction was employed.
- Rietveld analysis was used to refine crystal structures.
- In situ analysis captured thermally induced structural transitions.
Main Results:
- Samples from Olympic Dam and Ranger mines contained α-UO2(OH)2 and metaschoepite, suggesting U3O8 corrosion.
- The Beverley mine sample included metastudtite, α-UO2(OH)2, and metaschoepite.
- A core-shell model was proposed for broadened U3O8 diffraction peaks.
Conclusions:
- Provenance and storage significantly impact uranium oxide speciation.
- Different uranium ore concentrates exhibit distinct phase compositions.
- Structural characterization provides insights into uranium oxide stability and transformation.
