Extraction behavior of U(IV) from nitric acid medium using di-isodecyl phosphoric acid dissolved in dodecane

Solvent extraction of U(VI) with di-isodecyl phosphoric acid (DIDPA)/dodecane from nitric acid medium has been investigated for a wide range of experimental conditions. Effect of various parameters including nitric acid concentration, DIDPA concentration, temperature, stripping agents, and other impurities like rear earths, transition metal ion, boron, aluminum ion on U(VI) extraction has been studied. The species extracted in the organic phase is found to be UO 2 (NO 3 )(HA 2 )·H 2 A 2 at lower acidity ( 5% (NH 4 ) 2 CO 3 > 8 M HCl > 8 M HNO 3 > Water. High separation factors between U(VI) and impurities suggested that the use of DIDPA for purification of uranium from multi elements bearing solution.