Synthesis and Characterization of Task-specific Ionic Liquids with Alkyl Phosphate Cations and for U(VI) Extraction

Three task-specific ionic liquids with tributyl phosphates (TBP) functional group covalently tethered to the cationic part, [Phos-C-3-MIM] [PF6], [Phos-C-3-MIM] [NTf2] and [Phos-C-3-Pyr] [NTf2], were synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by FTIR, H-1 NMR and element analysis. Physical properties, such as phase transition temperatures, thermal stability, density and viscosity were also studied. The results of extraction perfermance as a single component, in the specific task of U(VI) extraction in nitric acid medium showed that they could be efficiently used to extract U(VI) in nitric acid medium at room temperature. The distribution ratio D (U) and the extraction efficience E could be achieved more than 10 and 90%, respectively, especially in high acidity environment.