Electroanalytical studies of uranium, neptunium, and plutonium ions in solutions

Redox behavior of uranium, neptunium, and plutonium ions, whose oxidation states in acid solutions are between (VI) and (III), were investigated by flow-coulometry with a column electrode of glassy carbon fibers as well as ordinary voltammetry with a rotating disc electrode. Based on current-potential curves the electrode processes were elucidated taking their disproportionation and/or complexation reactions into account. The flow-coulometry, which provides rapid and quantitative electrolysis, was applied to such analytical purposes as follows; the determination of uranium and plutonium in the solution or the solid with discerning their oxidation states, the preparation of species in a desired oxidation state, even in an unstable state which cannot be prepared by ordinary procedure, and the separation of trace amount of uranium in solutions by the electrodeposition of its hydroxide