Analysis of Uranium Oxide Weathering by Molecular Spectroscopy

<p>A preliminary study of the weathering of uranium oxide particles diluted in diamond dust at ambient environmental conditions is presented. The primary weathering reaction is oxidation of the uranium from the +4 to +6 oxidation state although formation of compounds such as carbonates and hydroxides is possible. Identification of the state of uranium oxides has been attempted using luminescence spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Luminescence spectra of nominal samples of three common oxides UO₃ U₃O₈ and UO₂ have been measured showing significant spectral differences in peaks at 494 nm 507 nm 529 nm and 553 nm. DRIFTS spectra of the same three oxides show significant differences in peaks at 960 cm⁻¹ 856 cm⁻¹ and 756 cm⁻¹. The differences in these peaks will allow determination of the oxidation to the +6 state in these compounds.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>