Adsorption of uranium (VI) from mixed chloride-fluoride solutions by anion-exchange resins

Experimental data are reported and discussed concerning the adsorption of uranium from 0.025 M solutions of UO2Cl2, containing HCl, HF, and NH4Cl over a wide concentration range, using anion-exchange resins of varying basicities. UV and IR spectroscopic studies were conducted in order to clarify the chemical mechanism of uranium adsorption. Adsorption isotherms for all of the ion-exchange resins studied are convex in shape and can be described by the following equations: log K/sub d/ = a + b (-log C/sub e/), and log A = a + (b + 1) log C/sub e/, where A is the adsorptivity in mmole U/g; K/sub d/ is the distribution coefficient in mg/liter; and C/sub e/ is the equilibrium concentration of U in mmole/ml. General mathematical models have been obtained to describe the adsorption process; these consist of a system of regression equations derived from the results of a complete 23 factorial study