NSTD Research Projects: TRP
Proposals
Quarterly Reports
2004:
3rd,
4th
2005:
1st,
2nd,
3rd,
4th
2006:
1st,
2nd,
3rd,
4th
2007:
1st,
2nd,
3rd,
4th
Annual Reports
TRP -> Campaign/Number -> TRP 25
TRP 25. Electrochemical Separation of Curium and Americium
July 2004 - December 2007
Research Objectives & Methods
The objective was to use electrochemical techniques to develop a thermodynamic understanding of actinide and lanthanide species in RTIL solutions, and use this data to effectively separate species with very similar chemical properties.
In consultation with a DOE collaborator, electrochemical methods and materials were evaluated and used to exploit the thermodynamic differences between similar chemical species enhancing the ability to selectively target and sequester individual species from mixtures. This project, in its third year, successfully completed phases 1 and 2. Phase 3 was partially completed. The project was later expanded to include phase 4.
- Evaluated thermodynamic oxidation/reduction properties of Ce using electrochemical methods
- Evaluated the thermodynamic properties of chelated Ce, Sm, and Eu at carbon, platinum and gold electrodes
- Examined the use of conductive polymer membranes for the uptake and expulsion of complexed and uncomplexed actinide and lanthanide species
- Prepare and characterize RTIL solutions. Examine the electrochemical window and evaluate the electrochemical properties of lanthanide and actinide species in the non-aqueous ionic environment.
Researchers
- David Hatchett, Chemistry
- Ken Czerwinski, Chemistry
Collaborators
- George Vandergrift III, Senior Scientist, Chemical Technology Division, Argonne National Laboratory
Students
- Sujanie Gamage, PhD, Chemistry
- Moustapha Eid Moustapha, PhD, Chemistry
- Wendy Pemberton, PhD, Chemistry
- Sandra Elkouz, Masters, Chemistry
- Patrick Houlihan, Undergraduate, Chemistry