Search

Highly efficient and selective 99TcO4− sequestration utilising crown ether based solvent system from reprocessing low level liquid waste.

Titanium, a high temperature tolerance metal is preferred as neutron targets due to high hydrogen storage capacity. Therefore, there is a need to understand the interaction and dynamical behaviours of hydrogen isotopes with Ti which is investigated by means of linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) and projector augmented wave (PAW) potential within the density functional theoretical framework. The hydrogen isotope is studied by incorporating zero point energy and the harmonic transition state theory (HTST) were used to determine the rate constant. The values of surface adsorption energy of hydrogen isotopes were predicted to follow the trend: Ead(H2) > Ead(D2) > Ead(T2). The activation energy barrier from top to bridge and top to hollow sites was negative for H atom indicating barrier less diffusion. The computed total density of states (TDOS) and partial density of states (PDOS) confirmed that the hollow site offers the most stable site for H atom adsorption than that by bridge and top sites. The calculated barrier height for dissociation was 0.4eV at surface coverage of θH > 0.5ML whereas the barrier height for recombination was found to be much higher than that of dissociation. The calculated dissociation rate constant using HTST was found to be quite fast whereas the rate constant for recombination was determined to be very slow as expected. The ZPE corrected activation heights for bulk diffusion in Ti from one Td void to nearby Td void for H, D and T were computed to be 0.118, 0.126 and 0.129 eV respectively at the PAW level. The calculated diffusivity establishes that the lighter H atom migrates faster than that of heavier D and T atoms. The classical barrier height was observed to be reduced after quantum correction.

Tungsten (W) has shown promise to be the most favored plasma facing material in nuclear fusion with deuterium (D) and tritium (T) as fuel. In order to identify a better material, atomistic understanding of the behavior of D/T with W is highly desirable. Here, we report the mechanistic pathways of diffusion of H, D and T in bcc W employing density functional theory (DFT) using PBE and PBE-D3 functional and harmonic transition state theory. The activation diffusion barrier was determined using nudge elastic band techniques. The zero point energy (ZPE) was incorporated by phonon calculations to include the isotope effects. The surface adsorption of H, D and T is predicted to be exothermic, whereas surface to sub-surface and bulk absorption is endothermic but the vacancy induced absorption in bulk W was predicted to be exothermic. H, D and T atoms were observed to be diffused preferably from tetrahedral site to the nearest tetrahedral site. The calculated diffusion coefficients, rate constants, permeability constants and solubility are found to be higher for H compared to its heavier isotopes D and T. The trends of diffusion, permeation and solubility for H, D and T are well in agreement with the experimental results. The diffusion values predicted for H isotopes in bcc W from PBE-D3 method is quite close to the experimental values compared to PBE method. But, the calculated and experimental ratio of diffusivity, permeability and solubility of any two H isotopes follow the similar trend and no considerable change is noticed between PBE and PBE-D3 methods. Further, the calculated diffusion coefficients are shown to be one order of magnitude lower than Cr and two orders than Fe and thus might be the basis for considering W as plasma facing materials. The present study might be useful in modeling the behavior of tritium in W metal for which data is either scattered or least available.

Isotope effect is a quantum mechanical phenomenon and thus poses a challenge for the separation of isotopes of an element of interest, especially for heavy elements. Isotopic fractionation of zinc is also quite difficult and challenging but is necessitated due to various applications of its isotopes ranging from nuclear medicine to nuclear power reactors. Here, we developed the dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) ether-functionalized poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) resin by exploiting the ion and isotope recognition ability of the crown ether using DFT/MD simulations followed by experiments for isotopic fractionation of zinc. The PMADB18C6 adsorbent was prepared and suitably characterized. Both computational and experimental findings demonstrate that the adsorption and isotope separation of zinc with PMADB18C6 are due to the molecular recognition effect of the "O" dipole of the crown ether. Furthermore, both MD simulations and experiments suggest Langmuir type adsorption isotherms. The adsorption of Zn2+ ions on the PMA resin is predicted to be endothermic, whereas it is exothermic on the PMADB18C6 resin, as revealed from the experimentally observed enthalpy change. A small scale fixed bed column study was demonstrated to test the scale-up application. The values of the experimental separation factors: 1.0013 for 66/64 and 1.0027 for 68/64 confirm the computationally predicted results of 1.00088 and 1.0010, respectively, thus establishing the combined strength of the theory and experiments for the identification of efficient fractionating agents for a complex quantum isotope effect which eventually helps in planning further experiments in view of medicinal and technological applications of zinc isotopes.

Neodymium (Nd), a technologically important metal ion, has emerged as a major contaminant in aquatic systems in recent years owing to its surge in electrical and electronic applications as a permanent magnet. The chelating molecules present in hydro- and biospheres could substantially enhance its absorption and lead to transportation and migration of Nd from the source. The mechanistic understanding of the Nd interaction with naturally relevant biomoieties present in flora and fauna is of primitive importance to estimate the toxicological effects of the metal ion. The present studies aimed at understanding the aquatic interaction of Nd with two biomoieties namely pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (P2C) and pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (P23C) by multiple experimental determinations and theoretical estimations. Potentiometry and spectrophotometry were employed to determine the aquatic speciation and thermodynamic stability of the complexes. Both techniques supported the formation of MLi (i = 1–4) complexes by Nd(III) with P2C and MLi (i = 1–3) complexes with P23C. The Nd–P23C complexes are more stable than the Nd–P2C complexes for ML formation, while the opposite trend is observed for the ML2 and ML3 complexes. Titration calorimetry was used to determine the enthalpies of complexation which was found to be exothermic and majorly favored by entropy contributions. The formation of the Nd(III)–P2C complexes is more exothermic than that of the respective Nd(III)–P23C complexes. Density functional theory was employed for the geometry optimization of the predicted complexes and for the estimation of the bond distances and partial charges on the coordinating atoms in the optimized geometries. Experimental insights provide crucial inputs at the macro (thermodynamic) level and theoretical calculations help in understanding the complexation process at the molecular level.

Selective and efficient separation of pertechnetate (TcO

An attempt was made to understand the sorption behaviour of UO22+, Th4+ and Eu3+ on novel hybrid metal-organic framework composites, FeBDC@CoBDC. The XRD pattern revealed the composite nature of the hybrid MOF materials, while FTIR and Raman spectroscopic analyses evidenced the presence of different functional moieties. The thermal stability of the hybrid MOF composites was investigated through thermogravimetric analysis. The sorption predominantly followed Langmuir isotherm with sorption capacity of 189 mg g−1, 224 mg g−1 and 205 mg g−1 for UO22+, Th4+ and Eu3+ respectively. The sorption proceeded through chemisorption following pseudo 2nd order rate kinetics. The processes were found to be thermodynamically favourable and endothermic in nature. However, they were entropically driven. Multiple contacts of complexing agents were necessary for quantitative elution of f-elements from loaded MOF. The MOF showed moderate stability towards radiation exposure. DFT calculation was used for the optimization of structures, estimation of bond length and estimation of binding energy. In hybrid MOF composites, the Fe atom was having six coordination with 4 O atoms of BDC moieties and 2 O atoms of –OH groups. The O atoms of BDC and –OH groups were coordinated to Eu, Th and U atoms during their sorption.

The fundamental understanding of adsorption, absorption, diffusion, and permeation of hydrogen and its isotopes is of paramount importance in controlling the hydrogen-induced embrittlement and also...

The denticity, flexibility, and steric hindrance of the ligand are key factors in deciding the mode and number of coordination around a metal ion on complex formation. The thermodynamic aspects of lanthanide complexation with various multidentate ligands provides a significant insight into understand the coordination chemistry of lanthanides in framing the relevant metal organic networks for the applications in biological, biochemical and medical aspects. The pyrazine carboxylic acids are known to form many structurally important complexes and further can form chelates with coordination number of eight for europium in which more water molecules can be knocked out from the primary coordination sphere than demanded by denticity of the ligand. The present studies aimed at ESI-MS characterization and determination of the thermodynamic parameters (log β, Δ

All atom molecular dynamics simulations and experiments were performed to understand the adsorption behavior of gadolinium (Gd3+) ion on the crown ethers grafted polystyrene (PS) surface. Two different types of crown ethers, viz., dibenzo crown ether (DBCE) and dicyclo hexano crown ether (DCHCE), were grafted separately on the PS surface to understand the adsorption behavior. We investigate the roles of Gd3+ ion concentration and grafting density (ρs) of the crown ether on the adsorption behavior of Gd3+ ion on the PS surface. The adsorption of Gd3+shows an increasing trend with increasing salt concentration, for all cases of crown ether grafting densities. The adsorption behavior follows the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum amount of Gd3+ ion adsorption was observed to be 1.83 mg/g for DBCE and 2.02 mg/g for DCHCE at ρs = 2.07 mol/nm2. The maximum amount of Gd3+ ion adsorption on DBCE coated PS beads, in batch experiments, was found to be 1.76 mg/g, which is in good agreement with the theoretical res...

Thorium (Th) exposure to the human beings is a radiochemical hazard and the chelation therapy by suitable drugs is the major prevention approach to deal with. The present studies aimed at usage of pyrazinoic acid (PCA), which is a prodrug to treat tuberculosis, for its usage as decorporating agent for thorium from human body. The present studies provide a comprehensive knowledge on the chemical interaction and biological efficacy of pyrazinoic acid (PCA) for decorporation of Thorium from the human body. The thermodynamic parameters for Th-PCA speciation are determined by both experiment and theory. The potentiometric data analysis and Electro-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) studies revealed the formation of MLi (i = 1–4) species with the decrease in stepwise stability constants. All the species formations are endothermic reactions and are predominantly entropy-driven. Biological experiments using human erythrocytes, whole blood and normal human lung cells showed cytocompatibility and decorporation ability of PCA for Thorium. Density functional calculations have been carried out to get insights on interaction process at molecular level. The experimental results and theoretical predictions found to be in line with each other. Present findings on complexation of Th by PCA and its evaluation in human cells and blood would further motivate determination of its safety levels and decorporation efficacy in animal models.

The structure, energetic and quantum chemical descriptors of Cs+ complexes of calix[4]arene-crown-6 (C4C6) and substituted C4C6 i.e 1,3 alternate-diethoxy C4C6 are reported here based on the analysis of results using density functional theory. Substitution of benzo group to both C4C6 and 1,3 alternate-diethoxy C4C6 resulted in reduction of binding energy (BE). Further substitution on benzo group with methyl, methoxy and amino groups leads to increase in BE and nitro substitution leads to decrease in BE for C4C6, whereas in the case of 1,3 alternate-diethoxy calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, methoxy substitution leads to highest BE compared to other complexes. The calculated Gibbs free energy, ΔGgas also followed the same order as BE in the case of 1,3 alternate-diethoxy C4C6 and their substituted ligands. Furthermore, the ΔG of complexation were computed using thermodynamic cycle with conductor like screening model (COSMO) in different solvents: toluene, chloroform, octanol and nitrobenzene. The values of ΔGext are found to be increased with increase in the dielectric constant of the solvent and found to be highest in the nitrobenzene. The Atoms in Molecule (AIM) analysis reveals partial ionic character in Cs-O bond. Among all the studied complexes, 1,3 alternate-diethoxy calix[4]arene 3’-methoxy benzo crown-6 displays highest ΔGext in nitrobenzene. The calculated value of ∆∆Gext (∆∆G= ∆GCs+-∆GNa+) is found to be -41.82 kcal/mol with 1,3 alternate-diethoxy calix[4]arene 3’-methoxy benzocrown-6 which is higher than that obtained with calix [4] bis-crown-6 (-5.24 kcal/mol). The newly designed ligand might be suitable for the selective extraction of Cs+ over Na+ in the reprocessing of nuclear waste and thus invites the experimentalists for testing this DFT finding in the laboratory.

The metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have the potential as hydrogen storage materials due to large surface areas and presence of binding sites. To further enhance H2 storage capacities of MOFs, crown ethers have been incorporated to improve the interaction energies between the framework and binding molecules (H2). Therefore, the present study deals with the structure and energy of complexes of H2 with crown ethers (dibenzo-12-crown-4 and dibenzo-18-crown-6) and alkali metal ion decorated crown ethers at the DFT level of theory. The binding energy of H2 with only crown ethers was shown to be positive and thus not suitable for adsorption. But, after decoration with metal, namely Li and K, the binding energy of H2 was seen to be negative indicating feasibility for H2 adsorption. Increase in binding energy indicates an increase in stability of the complex, and as such, catenated crown ethers have a much improved hydrogen storage capacity allowing them to hold more molecules of hydrogen. Also, the binding energies are greater for Li+ systems compared to K+ systems, thus showing it as a better catenating agent than the latter. Also, Li+ incorporated DB18C6 in the MOF moiety has shown favorable H2 binding compared to Li+ incorporated DB18C6. The present computational results thus suggest that Li+-crown ether might be incorporated within MOF to enhance hydrogen storage capacity.

Correction for ‘Mechanism unravelling for highly efficient and selective 99TcO4− sequestration utilising crown ether based solvent system from nuclear liquid waste: experimental and computational investigations’ by Kankan Patra et al., RSC Adv., 2022, 12, 3216–3226. DOI: 10.1039/D1RA07738D.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Thermodynamics of Th(IV)-PCNO complexes are studied for the first time. • All Th(IV)-PCNO complexes are endothermic and entropy driven reactions. • Th(IV) forms six membered chelate complexes with PANO. • The dehydration of ligand played a key role on complexation thermodynamics., The feed wastes and waste water treatment plants are the major sources for the entry of N-oxides into the soils then to aquatic life. The complexation of actinides with potentially stable anthropogenic ligands facilitate the transportation and migration of the actinides from the source confinement. The present study describes the determination of thermodynamic parameters for the complexation of Th(IV) with the three isomeric pyridine monocarboxylates (PCNO) namely picolinic acid-N-oxide (PANO), nicotinic acid-N-oxide (NANO) and isonicotinic acid-N-oxide (IANO). The potentiometric and isothermal calorimetric titrations were carried out to determine the stability and enthalpy of the formations for all the Th(IV)-PCNO complexes. Th-PANO complexes are more stable than Th-NANO and Th-IANO complexes which can be attributed to chelate formation in the former complexes. Formation of all the Th-PCNO complexes are endothermic and are entropy driven. The geometries for all the predicted complexes are optimized the energies, bond distances and charges on individual atoms are obtained using TURBOMOLE software. The theoretical calculation corroborated the experimental determinations.

A combined experimental and theoretical study has been put forward to investigate the complexation behaviour of tetravalent Pu 4+ and hexavalent UO 2 2+ ions with the N,N-dihexyloctanamide (DHOA) ligand in different diluents. Solvent extraction experiments were conducted with Pu 4+ and UO 2 2+ ions using DHOA in different diluents, namely dodecane, toluene, chloroform, octanol, nitrophenyl-octyl ether (NPOE) and nitrobenzene (NB). The experimentally measured distribution coefficients (D) of both the Pu 4+ and UO 2 2+ ions followed the order: nitrobenzene > NPOE > octanol > chloroform > toluene > dodecane. In order to complement the experimental distribution data, the structure, energetic and thermodynamic parameters of the Pu 4+ and UO 2 2+ complexes with DHOA have been calculated using density functional theory. The free energy of extraction, Δ G ext , for the Pu 4+ and UO 2 2+ ions with DHOA was calculated using the Born–Haber thermodynamic cycle in the different experimentally studied diluents. The value of Δ G ext for the Pu 4+ ion in dodecane was found to be higher than that of the UO 2 2+ ion, as measured in the experiments. The value of Δ G ext was shown to increase with the increase in the dielectric constant of the diluent for both Pu 4+ and UO 2 2+ ions, similar to the experimental studies. Thus, the combined experimental and theoretical studies help to understand the underlying complexation mechanism of the UO 2 2+ and Pu 4+ ions with DHOA, which explains its selectivity towards the Pu 4+ ion.

Molecular modeling was carried out using DFT to identify the suitable displacing agent for carrying out Gd isotope separation using displacement chromatography. EDTA was identified as the best eluting agent among EDTA, malic acid and citric acid. Displacement chromatography of Gd adsorption band in cation exchange resin was performed to observe the isotope effects in the Gd ion exchange processes involving complex forming reagent – EDTA. The heavier isotope of 160Gd was found to be enriched at the front boundary of Gd adsorption band, while the lighter isotopes of 155Gd and 157Gd were enriched at the rear boundary.

Density functional theoretical modelling was performed to design and screen suitable macrocyclic crown ether functionalized resins for the isotopic enrichment of gadolinium. Theoretical calculations predict the complexation stability order of Gd3+ ion as follows: di-cylohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) > dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) > benzo-15-crown-5 (B15C5), which was experimentally verified. The calculated isotopic separation factor value was shown to be the highest for DB18C6. From the theoretical analysis of both the stability and isotopic separation factor, DB18C6 is predicted to be the most promising candidate for isotopic separation of gadolinium. Hence, DB18C6 was functionalized with chloromethylated polystyrene (CMPS) resin. Subsequently, CMPS-grafted DB18C6 resin was synthesized and characterized. Furthermore, isotopic enrichment of gadolinium was carried out by performing column chromatographic experiments using CMPS-DB18C6 resin. The absorption capacity of the novel CMPS-DB18C6 resin for gadolinium was found to be 1 mg g−1. The separation coefficient, e × 103, was found to be 6.3, 8.9, 3.4, and 9.7 for Gd-155/158, Gd-156/158, Gd-157/158, and Gd-155/160 isotopic pairs, respectively, and thus hold promise for future isotopic enrichment technology.

The extraordinary extraction of metal ions in imidazolium ionic liquid phase containing neutral extractants was most often attributed to the cation exchange mechanism in addition to the usual solvation-type mechanism. The cation exchange mechanism results in an irreversible loss of the ionic liquid cation, which eventually leads to the pollution of aqueous phase also. To minimize the limitations of imidazolium based ionic liquid, strongly hydrophobic ionic liquids containing tetra-alkyl ammonium ion have been introduced and studied for actinide separation. Even though these tetra-alkyl ammonium ionic liquids did not undergo cation exchange, but showed exceptional extraction of actinides for the reason, which was not established so far. To unravel the unique role of these hydrophobic ionic liquids, the extraction behavior of U(VI) was studied in a solution of tri-n-octylmethylammonium nitrate ([N1888 ][NO3]) in conjunction with a neutral ligand, 2-hydroxy-N,N-dioctyl acetamide (DOHyA). The extraction of U(VI) was studied as a function of various extraction parameters and the organic phase obtained after extraction was probed by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy to elucidate the mechanism of U(VI) extraction in ionic liquid phase. The result revealed that U(VI) was extracted into ionic liquid phase by a couple of extraction modes, namely through metal–ligand coordination and by loss-less anion exchange mode and these pathways did not cause any undue burden to the organic and aqueous phases, unlike the traditional imidazolium ionic liquids. Further, DFT studies were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of U(VI) complexation in ionic liquid phase. The calculated values of binding energy (ΔE) and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) for the complexation of U(VI) with DOHyA in dodecane and tetra-alkyl ammonium ionic liquids medium were found in good agreement with the experimentally determined complexation trends of U(VI) ion with DoHyA. The DFT calculations further established that the cation exchange mechanism by both the ionic liquids, [N1888][NO3] and [N1888][NTf2] was not feasible, but anion exchange mechanism could be possible as observed in the experimental studies.

Chromium, a transition metal, is one of the important constituents, used widely in steel. It is of paramount importance to study the behavior of hydrogen isotopes with Cr to design a suitable barrier materials for arresting the permeation of H isotopes. Here, the interaction and dynamical behaviours of hydrogen isotopes in bcc Cr lattice have been studied employing plane wave based density functional theory. Nudge elastic band methods have been used to determine the activation energy barrier whereas phonon calculations are performed to calculate the zero point energy in order to investigate the isotope effects. The dissociative surface adsorption of hydrogen is predicted to be exothermic, whereas surface to sub-surface and bulk absorption is found to be endothermic but the vacancy induced absorption energy for H atom in bulk Cr has been found to be exothermic. The diffusion of H atom from one tetrahedral hole to the adjacent tetrahedral hole has been established to be the most favoured pathway. The lighter H atom was shown to have higher diffusion coefficients, permeability coefficients, solubility and rate constants than heavier D and T atoms. The computed values of diffusion, permeability and solubility of H in Cr follow the experimental prediction. The computed results presented here might be of assistance in the future design of suitable materials to arrest the permeation of tritium.

Selective phase separation of Pu4+ and PuO22+ was performed using N,N-dialkylamide functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (AFMWCNTs). To understand the sorption kinetics, three widely accepted kinetic models (Lagergren first order kinetics, intra particle diffusion model and pseudo second order kinetics) were investigated. The sorption kinetics followed a pseudo second order kinetics with rate constants of 2.50 × 10−5 g mg−1 min−1 and 4.30 × 10−5 g mg−1 min−1 for Pu4+ and PuO22+ respectively. The analysis of the sorption mechanism through Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Rodushkevich (D–R) and Temkin isotherms revealed that the sorption proceeds via heterogeneous, non-ideal multi-layer adsorption following the Freundlich isotherm. The radiolytic stability of the AFMWCNTs and the stripping behavior of plutonium from the loaded AFMWCNTs were also investigated and finally AFMWCNTs were employed for the processing of simulated high level waste solutions originating from Research Reactors (RRs) and Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs). Density functional theory calculation was used to understand the higher selectivity of tetra valent plutonium over hexa valent plutonium. The structural parameters of the AFMWCNT and its complexes of Pu4+ and PuO22+ were optimized along with the evaluation of their binding energy in the gas phase as well as solution phase. Orbital bonding analysis was carried out to rationalize the selectivity of Pu4+ions over PuO22+ with AFMWCNTs.

An amide functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT-DHA) was used for efficient and selective solid phase separation of tetravalent (Th4+) and hexavalent (UO22+) actinides. Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Rodushkevich (D–R) and Tempkin isotherms were employed for understanding the sorption mechanism while various models (Lagergren first order kinetics, intra particle diffusion model and pseudo second order kinetics) were applied to understand the sorption kinetics. The sorption proceeded via monolayer coverage of CNT-DHA with capacities of 32 mg g−1 and 47 mg g−1 for UO22+ and Th4+, respectively following a Langmuir isotherm while the sorption kinetics followed a pseudo second order reaction with rate constants of 0.044 and 0.095 g mg−1 min−1 for UO22+ and Th4+, respectively. The CNT-DHA was found to have high radiolytic stability up to 1000 kGy gamma exposure. The stripping study revealed that oxalic acid can be used for almost quantitative back extraction of Th4+ and for UO22+ sodium carbonate can be effectively used. DFT calculations were performed to understand the complexation of Th4+ and UO22+ with CNT-DHA. The structural parameters of UO22+ and Th4+ ions with CNT-DHA, and the large ion–ligand interaction energy were correlated with the higher selectivity of Th4+ ions over UO22+ ions.

A comparative evaluation was carried out for the extraction of Sr2+ using novel calix crown ether in molecular diluent and in ionic liquid. Though the trend in extraction profiles was found to be similar for both the systems, still, almost 5 times higher distribution ratio (D) values were observed in ionic liquid. The speciation studies revealed that; neutral Sr (NO3)2. DHCC species was formed in dodecane and the extraction followed through ‘solvation’ mechanism. However, ionic liquid medium (IL), anionic species, [Sr(NO3)3. DHCC]− was found to be predominating indicating ‘anion exchange’ mechanism. The slower kinetics of extraction in IL was attributed to the high viscosity of IL. The extraction process was found to be spontaneous, endothermic and entropy driven.IL based system was found to be radiolytically more stable compared to the molecular diluent (Mol dil) based system. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic investigation revealed the formation of oxygen centered radical with orthorhombic symmetry (gx = 2.00105, gy = 2.00475, gz = 2.00835) in irradiated ligand. The density functional theoretical (DFT) calculation was utilized to investigate the complexation and speciation in detail in microscopic level.

The present studies interpret the speciation of uranyl (UO22+) with the most ubiquitous class of natural species named pyrazines in terms of stability, speciation and its identification, thermodynamics, spectral properties determined by a range of experimental techniques and further evidenced by theoretical insights. UO22+ forms ML and ML2 kind of species with a qualitative detection of ML3 species, while the ESI-MS identified the formation of all the complexes including ML3. Both the ligands act as bidentate chelators with a difference in ring size and coordinating atoms in the complex formed. The ML3 complexes involve the third ligand participation as monodentate via carboxylate only due to the restricted coordination number and space around the UO22+ ion to accommodate three ligand molecules in its primary coordination sphere. All the complexes are found to be endothermic and purely entropy driven formations. The complex formations showed redshift in the absorption spectra and the shift was further enhanced from ML to ML2 formation. The UO22+ ion redox properties are used to explore the redox potential and heterogeneous electron-transfer kinetic parameters as a function of pH and concentration of UO22+ in presence of pyrazine carboxylates. Interestingly, the cyclic voltammograms identified the ligands also as redox sensitive. The theoretical calculation gave inputs to understand the complex formation at the molecular level with major emphasis on geometry optimization, energetics, bonding parameters, molecular orbital diagrams and bond critical point analyses. The experimental observations in combination with theoretical addendum provided detailed knowledge on the interaction of UO22+ with pyrazine-2-carboxylate and pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylates.

Understanding the separation of metal ions from the aqueous phase to the organic phase is of great relevanceto basic scientific knowledge, as well as to the development of advanced technology, especially in nuclear waste reprocessing. In that direction, computational chemistry comprising Quantum electronic structure calculations (QESC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations technique hasemerged as a strong complimentary tool to the solvent extraction and ion exchnage experiments by providing microscopic pictures at the molecular level. Therefore, the present chapter is devoted to the application of QESC and MD simulations in the microscopic understanding of the ligand-aided metal ion transfer processesand thus its assistance in nuclear waste management.Density functional theory–based quantum electronic structure calculations have been shown to be very useful in interpreting the coordinating environment of different radionuclides towards binding ligating chemical species. Further, the interaction strength of extractant molecules with the radionuclide can be decisively predicted and thus can be used as a prescreening criteria.The preferential selectivity of radionuclide towards a particular extractant can be well predicted by determining the free energy of extraction using thermodynamic cycle, as the free energy of extraction is correlated with the experimentally determined distribution constants as confirmed by determining the free energy of UO2 2+ and Pu4+ towards DH2EHA, DHOA, TMDGA, and GO-EGMP. Further, high-fidelity molecular simulations were shown to capture the experimentally observed migration of uranyl nitrate complexes from the aqueous to the aqueous-organic interface to the organic phase. MD simulations on several systems involving various acid models reveal the effect of acid in the aqueous phase, organic phase, and aqueous/organic interface. Simulations with varied TBP and acid concentration yield the trends similar toexperiments, which might be helpful while considering the extraction of many metal ions using TBPs.

During civil, nuclear or defense activities, internal contamination of actinides in humans and mitigation of their toxic impacts are of serious concern. Considering the health hazards of thorium (Th) internalization, an attempt was made to examine the potential of ten rationally-selected compounds/formulations to decorporate Th ions from physiological systems. The Th-induced hemolysis assay with human erythrocytes revealed good potential of tiron, silibin (SLB), phytic acid (PA) and Liv.52® (L52) for Th decorporation, in comparison to diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, an FDA-approved decorporation drug. This was further validated by decorporation experiments with relevant human cell models (erythrocytes and liver cells) and biological fluid (blood) under pre-/post-treatment conditions, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, density functional theory-based calculations and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy confirmed the formation of Th complex by these agents. Amongst the chosen biocompatible agents, tiron, SLB, PA and L52 hold promise to enhance Th decorporation for human application.

The mononuclear complexes formed by Eu(III) with three isomeric pyridine monocarboxylate-N-oxides namely picolinic acid-N-oxide (PANO), nicotinic acid-N-oxide (NANO) and isonicotinic acid-N-oxide (IANO) in aqueous solutions were studied by potentiometry, luminescence spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to determine the speciation, coordination, luminescence properties and thermodynamic parameters of the complexes formed during the course of the reaction. More stable six membered chelate complexes with stoichiometry (MLi, i=1-4) are formed by Eu(III) with PANO while non chelating ML and ML2 complexes are formed by NANO and IANO. The stability of Eu(III) complexes follow the order PANO>IANO>NANO. The ITC studies inferred an endothermic and innersphere complex formation of Eu(III)-PANO and Eu(III)-IANO whereas an exothermic and outer-sphere complex formation for Eu(III)-NANO. The luminescence life time data further supported the ITC results. Density functional theoretical calculations were carried out to optimize geometries of the complexes and to estimate the energies, structural parameters (bond distances, bond angles) and charges on individual atoms of the same. Theoretical approximations are found to be in good agreement with the experimental observations.

Three benzene-centered tripodal diglycolamides (Bz-T-DGAs) were synthesized and evaluated for actinide, lanthanide, and fission product ion extraction. 1,3,5-Triethylbenzene-based tripodal DGA (LI) showed high distribution ratio (D) values for Am3+ and Eu3+ in a mixture of 95% n-dodecane and 5% iso-decanol at 3 M HNO3. Eu/Am separation factors, in the range of 8–10, were obtained at 1 M HNO3 which decreased at higher acidities with the exception of LII which did not show much change. Benzene-1,3,5-triamide-based tripodal DGA (LII) exhibited a high D-value for Pu4+ compared to the other ligands. Slope analysis showed the formation of 1 : 1 or 1 : 2 complexes is dependent on the ligand. The nature of the complexes was further studied with luminescence spectroscopy (Eu complexes) and DFT calculations (Am complexes).

The unusually high selectivity of the Cs+ ion over the Na+ ion with bis(2-propyloxy)calix[4]crown-6 (BPC6) compared to dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) has been investigated using generalized gradient approximated (GGA) BP86, hybrid B3LYP and meta hybrid TPSSH density functionals, employing split valence plus polarization (SVP) and triple zeta valence plus polarization (TZVP) basis sets in conjunction with the COSMO (conductor like screening model) solvation approach. The calculated theoretical selectivity of the Cs+ ion over the Na+ ion was found to be in accordance with the experimental selectivity obtained using solvent extraction experiments in ionic liquids (IL) and octanol. The distribution constant of the Cs+ ion, DCs with DCH18C6 in the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (BMIMTF2N) IL phase was found to be significantly large than that in octanol. The experimentally measured DCs value was found to be very large compared to the value of DNa in the IL phase. The presence of the BMIM cation in the recorded UV-visible spectra of the raffinate phase with and without DCH18C6 indicates the BMIM cation exchange with Cs+ and Na+ ions, thus supporting the dual mode of extraction. The dual mode of metal ion extraction observed in the experimental study was complemented by density functional theoretical study. The calculated free energy of extraction, ΔGext, for the metal ion was found to be higher in IL compared to octanol. Further, preferential selectivity of the Cs+ ion over the Na+ ion was established from the free energy difference, ΔΔGext, between the two competing metal ions. The unusually high selectivity of Cs+ over the Na+ ion by BPC6 in IL compared to DCH18C6 is also demonstrated by the free energy difference, ΔΔΔGext, between the two competing ligands which was shown to be free from the complicated metal ion solvation energy.

The structure and energetics of TBP (tri-butyl phosphate), THPO (Tri-hexyl phosphine oxide), and CYANEX925 (bis (2, 4, 4-trimethylpentyl) octylphosphine oxide) and their complexes with Hf and Zr oxycation (ZrO2+ and HfO2+) with BP86 density functional employing TZVP basis set have been presented. The calculated gas phase binding energy was shown to follow the order CYANEX925 > THPO > TBP >. The calculated gas phase binding energy for Hf oxycation is found to be higher than that of Zr oxycation for all the ligands which is contradictory to the observed experimental trend. The experimental selectivity trend was recovered by inclusion of the second solvation sphere of the metal ion both in gas and aqueous phase for a particular ligand. Both the implicit and explicit solvation model fail to predict the high selectivity of ZrO2+ with CYANEX925 over TBP in the absence of nitrate anion. The presence of nitrate anion along with the second solvation shell (n = 24 water molecules) around the oxycation, either in th...

The preferential selectivity of dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) for bivalent Sr(+2) ion over tetravalent Th(+4) ion was investigated using generalized gradient approximated (GGA) BP86 and the hybrid B3LYP density functional, employing split valence plus polarization (SV(P)) and triple-zeta valence plus polarization (TZVP) basis sets in conjunction with the COSMO (conductor-like screening model) solvation approach. The calculated theoretical selectivity of DCH18C6 for Sr(+2) ion over Th(+4) ion was found to be in accord with the selectivity for Sr(+2) ion over Th(+4) ion observed when performing liquid-liquid extraction experiments in different organic solvents. While 1:1(M:L) stoichiometric complexation reactions can be used to predict the preferential selectivity of Sr(2+) ion over Th(4+) ion, the results obtained are not consistent with the experimental results observed upon increasing the dielectric constant of the solvent. The calculated theoretical gas-phase data for the free energy of complexation, ∆G, fail to explain the selectivity for Sr(+2) ion over Th(+4) ion. However, when 1:2 (M:L) stoichiometric complexation reactions (reported in previous X-ray crystallography studies) are considered, correct and consistent results for the selectivity for Sr(+2) ion over a wide range of dielectric constants are predicted. The distribution constant for Sr(2+) and Th(4+) ions was found to gradually increase with increasing dielectric constant of the organic solvent, and was found to be highest in nitrobenzene. The selectivity data calculated from ∆∆G ext are in excellent agreement with the results obtained from solvent extraction experiments.

The structures, energetics, thermodynamic parameters and vibrational spectrum of hydrated cationic rubidium clusters incorporating a single rubidium ion and up to 32 water molecules using second order Moller–Plesset and hybrid B3LYP density functional are presented. The predicted equilibrium rubidium–oxygen distance of 2.99 A at the present level of theory is in excellent agreement with the diffraction result of 2.98 A for a hydrated rubidium ion cluster. From geometry optimizations it has been found that Rb+ ion has seven water molecules in the first hydration sphere for n ≥ 24 which support the earlier experimental and simulation findings. The number of hydrogen bonds is found to be increased with an increase in the hydrated cluster size. The present calculated values of interaction enthalpies are in good agreement with the reported gas phase experimental results up to n = 5. The hydration number of rubidium metal ion is predicted to be 7 as seven water molecules are directly linked to the metal ion independently for a large cluster (n > 24) having three layer of solvation representing the bulk solvent limit. Calculation of the vibrational frequencies shows that the formation of a Rb+-water cluster induces significant shifts from the normal stretching modes of isolated water. From the ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, the average first shell coordination number was found to be 6.31 at both PW91 and PBE levels of theories, which is in close agreement with the QM predicted value (CN = 7) and experimental results (CN = 6.4–7.4). The average second shell coordination number is found to be ~ 21–25.

This paper presents the results of quantum chemical and classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the microhydration states of the Sr 2+ ion. The quantum chemical results strongly suggest a coordination number (CN) of 8 for the first hydration shell of Sr 2+ , which is in quantitative agreement with data available from X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements. The calculated theoretical Sr O bond distance of 2.59 A is also in excellent agreement with the XAFS results (2.60 A). Classical MD simulations are conducted on various water models to predict the hydration structure of the Sr 2+ ion. The CN is found to be in the range of 8–9 using SPC, TIP3P, and TIP4P-2005 water models, with the probability more skewed toward 8. MD–EXAFS study and coordination number analyses reveal that TIP4P-2005 is the best model potential for simulating water molecules to reproduce the experimentally observed absorption spectra and coordination numbers.

The structures, energetic and thermodynamic parameters of model crown ethers with different donor, cavity and electron donating/ withdrawing functional group have been determined with ab initio MP2 and density functional theory in gas and solvent phase. The calculated values of binding energy/ enthalpy for lithium ion complexation are marginally higher for hard donor based aza and oxa crown compared to soft donor based thia and phospha crown. The calculated values of binding enthalpy for lithium metal ion with 12C4 at MP2 level of theory is in good agreement with the available experimental result. The binding energy is altered due to the inductive effect imparted by the electron donating/ withdrawing group in crown ether, which is well correlated with the values of electron transfer. The role of entropy for extraction of hydrated lithium metal ion by different donor and functional group based ligand has been demonstrated. The HOMO-LUMO gap is decreased and dipole moment of the ligand is increased from gas phase to organic phase because of the dielectric constant of the solvent. The gas phase binding energy is reduced in solvent phase as the solvent molecules weaken the metal-ligand binding. The theoretical values of extraction energy for LiCl salt from aqueous solution in different organic solvent is validated by the experimental trend. The study presented here should contribute to the design of model host ligand and screening of solvent for metal ion recognition and thus can contribute in planning the experiments.

The partition coefficients of large number of organic solute including macrocyclic crown ethers in different water-ionic liquid (IL) bi-phasic systems based on Hartree-Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) are presented here. The structure of imidazolium cation based ILs were optimized at HF-6-311G (d,p) level of theory and then surface charge density were calculated at BP-TZVP level of theory using novel conductor like screening model for real solvents (COSMORS) approach. The calculated value of density is decreased with increasing alkyl chain length for all the ILs considered here. The calculated values of partition coefficient for various organic solutes obtained from the first principle based COSMO-RS theory are reasonably in good agreement with the available experimental results. The predicted values of partition coefficient will help in the screening and thus selection and design of suitable ILs prior to solvent extraction experiments.

The binding interaction of alkali metal ions (charged guest) within the narrow cavity of crown ethers (neutral host) of different cavity size has been studied using quantum chemical density functional theory. Different conformational structures, binding energies and various thermodynamic parameters of free crown ethers and their metal ion complexes have been determined with the B3LYP functional using a large split valence 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. Geometry optimization was performed using guess structures obtained from semi-empirical PM3 optimized structures without imposing any symmetry restriction. The calculated values of binding enthalpy increase with increase in cavity size, i.e., with increase in donor O atoms and are found to be in good agreement with gas phase experimental results. We have demonstrated the effect of micro-solvation on the binding interaction between the alkali metal ions (Li + and Na + ) and the macrocyclic crown ethers by considering micro-solvated metal ions up to six water molecules directly attached to the metal ion. A metal ion exchange reaction involving the replacement of lithium ion in metal ion–crown ether complexes with sodium ion contained within a metal ion–water cluster serves as the basis for modeling binding preferences in solution. An attempt has been made to study the effect of micro-solvation on the binding interaction of metal ions with crown ethers by considering two water molecules attached to metal ion–crown ether complexes. The calculated O H stretching frequency of H 2 O molecule in micro-solvated metal ion–crown complexes is less blue-shifted in comparison to hydrated metal ions. The calculated IR spectra can be compared with an experimental spectrum to determine the presence of micro-solvated metal ion–crown ether complexes in extractant phase.

The partition coefficients for a large number of macrocyclic crown ethers in different water–organic bi-phasic systems at BP-SVP-AM1 and BP-TZVP level of theory using novel conductor like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) approach are presented here for the first time. The predicted values of partition coefficient obtained from the present calculation are compared with the available reported experimental results. The calculated values of partition coefficient obtained from the first principle based COSMO-RS theory are in reasonably good agreement with the available experimental results. The present study reveals that the solvents with strong hydrogen bond donating, weak hydrogen bond accepting and high dipolarity/polarizability are the good solvents for partitioning of a neutral organic solute. The partitioning of a neutral solute in a particular solvent is enhanced due to increased hydrophobicity.

Generalized gradient approximated BP86 density functional employing triple zeta valence plus polarization (TZVP) basis set has been used to compute the reduced partition function ratio and isotopic separation factor for zinc isotopes. The isotopic separation factor was found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. The isotopic separation factor was found to depend on the conformation of the crown ether ligand. The trans-trans conformation shows the highest fractionation compared to cis-cis conformer. The present theoretical results can thus be used to plan the isotope separation experiments.

Density functional theoretical analysis was performed to explore the enhanced selectivity of the Cs(+) ion over the Na(+) ion with hybrid calix[4]-bis-crown macrocyclic ligand compared to 18-crown-6 ether. The calculated selectivity data for Cs(+)/Na(+) with hybrid calix[4]-bis-crown ligand using the free energy of extraction employing thermodynamical cycle was found to be in excellent agreement with the reported solvent extraction results. The present study further establishes that the selectivity for a specific metal ion between two competitive ligands is primarily due to the complexation free energy of the ligand to the metal ions and is independent of the aqueous solvent effect but strongly depends on the dielectricity of the organic solvents and the presence of the coanion.

Crown ether architectures were explored for the inclusion of Cs(+) and Sr(2+) ions within nano-cavity of macrocyclic crown ethers using density functional theory (DFT) modeling. The modeling was undertaken to gain insight into the mechanism of the complexation of Cs(+) and Sr(2+) ion with this ligand experimentally. The selectivity of Cs(+) and Sr(2+) ions for a particular size of crown ether has been explained based on the fitting and binding interaction of the guest ions in the narrow cavity of crown ethers. Although, Di-Benzo-18-Crown-6 (DB18C6) and Di-Benzo-21-Crown-7 (DB21C7) provide suitable host architecture for Sr(2+) and Cs(+) ions respectively as the ion size match with the cavity of the host, but consideration of binding interaction along with the cavity matching both DB18C6 and DB21C7 prefers Sr(2+) ion. The calculated values of binding enthalpy of Cs metal ion with the crown ethers were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. The gas phase binding enthalpy for Sr(2+) ion with crown ether was higher than Cs metal ion. The ion exchange reaction between Sr and Cs always favors the selection of Sr metal ion both in the gas and in micro-solvated systems. The gas phase selectivity remains unchanged in micro-solvated phase. We have demonstrated the effect of micro-solvation on the binding interaction between the metal ions (Cs(+) and Sr(2+)) and the macrocyclic crown ethers by considering micro-solvated metal ions up to eight water molecules directly attached to the metal ion and also by considering two water molecules attached to metal-ion-crown ether complexes. A metal ion exchange reaction involving the replacement of strontium ion in metal ion-crown ether complexes with cesium ion contained within a metal ion-water cluster serves as the basis for modeling binding preferences in solution. The calculated O-H stretching frequency of H(2)O molecule in micro-solvated metal ion-crown complexes is more red-shifted in comparison to hydrated metal ions. The calculated IR spectra can be compared with an experimental spectrum to determine the presence of micro-solvated metal ion-crown ether complexes in extractant phase.