Process for the electrochemical oxidation of Am(III) to Am(VI) usable for separating americium from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing solutions
US5609745A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/50
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention relates to a process for the electrochemical oxidation of Am(III) to Am(VI), usable for separating americium from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing solutions. The process consists of adding to the aqueous nitric solution (17) containing the Am(III) a) heteropolyanion able to complex the americium, such as potassium phosphotungstate and b) the Ag(II) ion for oxidizing Am(III) being converted into Ag(I), and subjecting the solution to an electrolysis under conditions such that electrochemical regeneration takes place of the Ag(II) ion from the Ag(I) ion obtained during said oxidation. After oxidizing Am(III) to Am(VI), it is possible to extract the latter in an appropriate organic solvent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.