Solid Phase Extraction of Thorium (IV) and Uranium (VI) from Nitrate Medium Using Cyanex 302-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles modifdied with Cyanex 302 were used for the separation and preconcentration of Th(IV) and U(VI) from synthetic nitrate solutions. The capacity of magnetic nanoparticles (≈10 nm) coated with Cyanex 302 for simultaneous separation and preconcentration of thorium and uranium from the nitrate medium was studied by means of the batch method. The effects of analytical parameters, including the amount of Cyanex 302, pH, and initial metal concentration on the extractive behavior of metal ions were systematically studied. The results showed that the optimum weight ratio of Cyanex 302 to magnetite nanoparticles was 10% and the optimum pH of solution for the simultaneous extraction of Th(IV) and U(VI) was equal to 6. The maximal capacity of the magnetite nanoparticles modifdied with 10 w% Cyanex 302 was found to be 60 mg l-1 of thorium and uranium. The influences of the fission products [Cs(I), Sr(II)] and interfering ions, including Fe(III), Cr(III), Mg(II), Mn(II) and Al(III) were also investigated.