Uranyl peroxide nanoclusters ([UO2(O2)(OH)]60)60- play a potential role in the subsurface fate and transport of uranium contamination. Understanding the interactions of these nanoclusters with abundant subsurface minerals and the mechanisms by which they interact is crucial for public and environmental safety. This study examines mineral-nanocluster interactions driven by bridged surface complexes formed by Li, Na, K and Cs alkali metals. Previous experimentation has shown that nanoclusters are not removed from solutions containing silica (SiO2) and are removed slowly in the presence of iron and alumina minerals (α-Fe2O3 and Al2O3). We hypothesize that K+ ions are moving from the interior of the uranyl peroxide nanoclusters to form bridge complexes with these minerals. By adding differing alkali cations to the reactions of nanoclusters and minerals, the presence of bridge complexation, and the extent to which it occurs, will be determined.

Alkali ion bridge complexation between uranium nanoclusters and mineral surfaces

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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