Application of High-Energy-Resolution X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy at the U L₃-Edge to Assess the U(V) Electronic Structure in FeUO₄

Abstract

FeUO4 was studied to clarify the electronic structure of U(V) in a metal monouranate compound. We obtained the peak splitting of spectra utilizing high-energy-resolution fluorescence detection–X-ray absorption near-edge structure (HERFD-XANES) spectroscopy at the U L3-edge, which is a novel technique in uranium(V) monouranate compounds. Theoretical calculations revealed that the peak splitting was caused by splitting of the 6d orbital of U(V) in FeUO4, which would be used to detect minor U(V) species. Such distinctive electronic states are of major interest to researchers and engineers working in various fields, from fundamental physics to the nuclear industry and environmental sciences for actinide elements.

Application of transition-edge sensors for micro-X-ray fluorescence measurements and micro-X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy: a case study of uranium speciation in biotite obtained from a uranium mine

“…These samples were already characterized in a previous study. 39 Before the XANES measurements, each sample was diluted with boron nitride and prepared as pressed pellets with a diameter of 7 mm. Each pelleted sample was triple-sealed using a 40-μm polypropylene film.…”