By calcining U3O8 in O3(g), ε-UO3 was synthesized and then identified using powder X-ray diffraction. Infrared spectra collected for ε-UO3 are in good agreement with previously published results, and low energy (600–200 cm-1) infrared data are provided. For the first time, Raman spectra collected for ε-UO3 using both 785 and 532 nm excitation wavelengths are presented, and a novel method for analyzing spectral similarity and sample homogeneity is described. A plausible structure for ε-UO3 was determined via Rietveld refinement of powder X-ray diffraction data and is triclinic, P-1, with a = 4.01, b = 3.85, c = 4.18 Å, α = 98.22, β = 90.33, and γ = 120.44° (Rwp = 9.00%).

Optical spectra and proposed crystal structure of ε-UO3

ACS Fall 2021

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