NMR of Klaui Ligand Complexes
EMSL Project ID
3252
Abstract
For advanced processing of Hanford tank sludges, the key separation that must be performed is the separation of the transuranic elements (Pu, Am, and Cm) from the other waste components. It is not necessary to remove uranium along with the transuranics; that is, it would actually be preferable to route the U to the low-activity waste stream. Existing processes (e.g., the TRUEX and DIAMEX) processes co-extract tri-, tetra-, and hexavalent actinides. Based on its tripodal geometry, we believe that compounds of the type depicted in Figure 1 may offer the opportunity to extract Am(III), Cm(III), and Pu(IV) selectively over U(VI). We hereafter refer to these anionic cobalt(III) phosphito compounds as “Klaui ligands.” This work is focused on the fundamental chemistry of the Klaui ligand systems. In particular, the effects of structural variation in the ligand on metal ion binding are being investigated both experimentally (Gregg Lumetta, Dennis Wester, Tim Hubler) and through molecular modeling (Benjamin Hay, Jun Li, Bert de Jong). The project is funded under the ANSTI initiative.
Project Details
Project type
Capability Research
Start Date
2003-01-21
End Date
2003-09-16
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members