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Oxidizing Americium(III) with Sodium Bismuthate in Acidic Aqueous Solutions
Natalie T Rice1, Elodie Dalodière1, Sara L Adelman1
1Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, United States.
Researchers achieved selective oxidation of americium(III) to americyl ions (AmO2^2+ or AmO2^1+) in aqueous solutions. This demonstrates new redox activity for f-elements, challenging older assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Radiochemistry
- Solution Chemistry
Background:
- Historical views considered f-elements, including actinides and lanthanides, to be redox "inactive."
- Recent discoveries reveal previously unrecognized oxidation states, challenging these assumptions.
- This work builds on ongoing research into the redox properties of f-elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the oxidation of americium(III) in aqueous media under ambient air.
- To explore the selective formation of different americyl species by modifying the aqueous matrix.
- To develop a method for recovering americium from reaction mixtures.
Main Methods:
- Oxidation of americium(III) using sodium bismuthate (NaBiO3) in various aqueous matrices.
- Identification and characterization of oxidation products using spectroscopic techniques (implied).
- Stability assessment of the formed americyl species over time.
- Development of a separation method for americium recovery.
Main Results:
- Selective oxidation of americium(III) to americyl ions was achieved.
- AmO2^2+ was formed in 1 M phosphoric acid (H3PO4).
- AmO2^1+ was formed in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl).
- These americyl products exhibited stability in solution for weeks.
- A method for recovering americium from americium-bismuth mixtures was developed.
Conclusions:
- Americium can be selectively oxidized to different americyl species in aqueous solution by controlling the matrix.
- These findings contribute to a revised understanding of f-element redox activity.
- The developed methods enable the study and potential recovery of higher oxidation states of americium.
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