Ionic liquids as solvents
US6379634B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/50
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of dissolving in an ionic liquid a metal in an initial oxidation state below its maximum oxidation state, characterized in that the ionic liquid reacts with the metal and oxidizes it to a higher oxidation state. The initial metal may be in the form of a compound thereof and may be irradiated nuclear fuel comprising UO2 and/or PuO2 as well as fission products. The ionic liquid typically is nitrate-based, for example a pyridinium or substituted imidazolium nitrate, and contains a Bronstead or Franklin acid to increase the oxidizing power of the nitrate. Suitable acids are HNO3, H2SO4 and [NO+]. Imidazolium nitrates and certain pyridinium nitrates form one aspect of the invention.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.