Concentrated binary aqueous solutions of lanthanide (Nd(3+) and Dy(3+)) salts (ClO(4)(-), Cl(-), and NO(3)(-)) have been studied by means of classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with explicit polarization and UV-visible spectroscopy. Pair interaction potentials, used for the MD simulations, have been developed in order to reproduce experimental hydration properties. Nd(3+) and Dy(3+) have been chosen because of their position in the lanthanide series: Nd(3+) being a light lanthanide and Dy(3+) a heavy one. They are respectively coordinated to nine and eight water molecules, in pure water, involving changes in their salt hydration structures. Both MD simulations and UV-visible experiments highlight the stronger affinity of nitrate anions toward Ln(3+) compared to perchlorates and chlorides. Dissociation/association processes of Nd(3+)-Cl(-) and Nd(3+)-NO(3)(-) ion pairs in aqueous solution have been analyzed using potential of mean force profile calculations. Furthermore, from MD simulations, it appears that the affinity of anions (perchlorate, chloride, and nitrate) is stronger for Nd(3+) than Dy(3+).

This work is aimed at a description of the thermodynamic properties of highly concentrated aqueous solutions of nitric acid salts at 25 °C within the binding mean spherical approximation (BIMSA) theory. The predictive capability of this model was examined. First, Raman spectroscopy was used to study the proportion of associated nitric acid as a function of concentration. The corresponding apparent association constant values were compared with literature values. Besides, the BIMSA model, taking into account complex formation, was used to represent literature experimental osmotic coefficient variation with concentration. This theoretical description led to an assessment of the degree of association. The so calculated amount of associated nitric acid coincides accurately with our Raman experimental results up to a high concentration of acid.

Osmotic coefficients of aqueous solutions of lanthanide salts are described using the binding mean spherical approximation (BIMSA) model based on the Wertheim formalism for association. The lanthanide(III) cation and the co-ion are allowed to form a 1-1 ion pair. Hydration is taken into account by introducing concentration-dependent cation size and solution permittivity. An expression for the osmotic coefficient, derived within the BIMSA, is used to fit data for a wide variety of lanthanide pure salt aqueous solutions at 25 degrees C. A total of 38 lanthanide salts have been treated, including perchlorates, nitrates, and chlorides. For most solutions, good fits could be obtained up to high ionic strengths. The relevance of the fitted parameters has been discussed, and a comparison with literature values has been made (especially the association constants) when available.

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a b s t r a c tA simple analytical procedure was developed to measure with high accuracy the isotope ratio of minor isotope of natural uranium present in small quantities using a thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS). The reduction of quantities used for analysis and the measurement of non-abundant isotopes are of prime interest in the nuclear industry. Indeed it is necessary to reduce the analyst received dose and the effluent released, as well as realizing measurement at trace level. The new generation of TIMS is equipped with a multicollection system of electron multipliers: discrete dynode electron multiplier (SEM) and continuous dynode electron multiplier (MIC), that improve the sensitivity compared to faraday cups. The procedure developed was verified using Certified Reference Material IRMM 052. Results were evaluated relying on NF T 90-210 norm regarding method validation. First, the isotope ratio 234 U/ 238 U was examined by total evaporation using the SEM and MIC to measure 234 U and the faraday cup to measure 238 U. In a second approach, the isotope ratio 235 U/ 238 U was studied by total evaporation using the SEM to measure 235 U and the faraday cup to measure 238 U. The classical method with peak-jumping SEM measurement was also used. Total evaporation method employing only the faraday cup was used to confront the results obtained. The analyzable quantity was reduced from 250 ng to 50 ng for the 235 U/ 238 U isotope ratio and from 1270 ng to 50 ng for the 234 U/ 238 U isotope ratio with acceptable uncertainties thanks to the use of electron multipliers. For all experiments were the accuracy was achieved, the calculated uncertainties were below to 0.28% for the 235 U/ 238 U isotope ratio and 5% for the 234 U/ 238 U isotope ratio.

This work is aimed at a description of the thermodynamic properties of actinide salt solutions at high concentration. The predictive capability of the binding mean spherical approximation (BIMSA) theory to describe the thermodynamic properties of electrolytes is assessed in the case of aqueous solutions of lanthanide(III) nitrate and chloride salts. Osmotic coefficients of cerium(III) nitrate and chloride were calculated from other lanthanide(III) salts properties. In parallel, concentrated binary solutions of cerium nitrate were prepared in order to measure experimentally its water activity and density as a function of concentration, at 25 degrees C. Water activities of several binary solutions of cerium chloride were also measured to check existing data on this salt. Then, the properties of cerium chloride and cerium nitrate solutions were compared within the BIMSA model. Osmotic coefficient values for promethium nitrate and promethium chloride given by this theory are proposed. Finally, water activity measurements were made to examine the fact that the ternary system Ce(NO3)3/HNO3/H2O and the quaternary system Ce(NO3)3/HNO3/N2H5NO3/H2O may be regarded as "simple solutions" (in the sense of Zdanovskii and Mikulin).

This work is aimed at a predictive description of the thermodynamic properties of actinide(III) salt solutions at high concentration and 25 degrees C. A new solution of the binding mean spherical approximation (BIMSA) theory, based on the Wertheim formalism, for taking into account 1:1 and also 1:2 complex formation, is used to reproduce, from a simple procedure, experimental osmotic coefficient variation with concentration for three binary salt solutions of the same lanthanide(III) cation: dysprosium(III) perchlorate, nitrate, and chloride. The relevance of the fitted parameters is discussed, and their values are compared with available literature values. UV-vis/near-IR, time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy experiments, and molecular dynamics (MD) calculations were conducted for dilute to concentrated solutions (ca. 3 mol.kg-1) for a study of the microscopic behavior of DyCl3 binary solutions. Coupling MD calculations and extended X-ray absorption fine structure led to the determination of reliable distances. The MD results were used for a discussion of the parameters used in the BIMSA.

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