CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry, Winter 2017: Lecture 12 Uranium Chemistry

Uranium chemistry is covered in this lecture with an emphasis on separations and synthesis for the nuclear fuel cycle. The solution chemistry of uranium is explored, focusing on uranyl. The molecular orbital of uranium is described. Separation of uranium by solvent extraction and ion exchange is presented. The enrichment of uranium from the uranium hexafluoride species is discussed, including diffusion, centrifuge, and laser methods. Oxide species of uranium are presented. Due to its potential as a nuclear fuel, the synthesis and properties of uranium metal and alloys are described in detail.  With three different phase, the uranium metal exhibits more complex electronic behavior than the metals of the lighter actinides, a trend that continues to plutonium metal. The lecture is in two parts; part 1 is 45 minutes and part 2 is 34 minutes.

The lecture is assigned on Friday 10 February 2017 and due Wednesday 15 February 2017.  When you have completed the lecture please comment on the blog and respond to the Lecture 12 PDF quiz.  The answers to the Lecture 12 PDF quiz will be posted Thursday 16 February 2017.