Reaction study of uranium electrolytic deposition by spectrometry

Ouchi, Kazuki  ; Matsumura, Daiju   ; Tsuji, Takuya  ; Kobayashi, Toru ; Otobe, Haruyoshi  ; Kitatsuji, Yoshihiro  

In this study, we investigated the deposits formed in the electrolytic deposition of U in pH23 solutions by absorption spectroscopy and X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS). The absorption spectrum of U(V) just after electrolysis was measured. The baseline rise with the light scattering of U deposits and the absorption with U(IV) were observed. The increase of deposition and the absorption of U(VI) were observed with time. These results showed that U(IV) and U(VI) were formed by the disproportionation of U(V), and U(IV) formed deposits. The XAFS spectrum of electrolytic deposits formed in pH 2 was measured. The species of the deposits was identified as U(IV) hydroxide. It was found that the electrolytic deposition in pH23 is different from the deposition in pH 4 which changes to oxide as a terminal product.