Solvent Extraction of Uranium (VI) by Didodecylphosphoric Acid

Solvent extraction of uranium(Vl) ion from perchlorate solution using didodecylphosphorie acid, DDPA, in toluene diluent was studied. The effects of stripping nitric acid concentration, stripping time, extraction time, DDPA concentration, pH, ionic strength, supporting electrolyte and temperature on the extraction processes have been studied. From the distribution coefficient values at different temperatures, the enthalpy, the free energy and the entropy changes associated with the extraction processes were determined. The composition of the complex formed was established to be UO2(CLO4)(HR2)(HR)2 where, (HR)2 represents the dimer of DDPA