IONIC LIQUIDS AS SOLVENTS

摘要

PURPOSE: A method of dissolving in an ionic liquid a metal in an initial oxidation state below its maximum oxidation state is provide. the methode is characterized in that the ionic liquid reacts with the metal and oxidizes it to a higher oxidation state. CONSTITUTION: An initial metal may be in the form of a compound and may be irradiated nuclear fuel comprising UO2 and/or PuO2 as well as fission products. The ionic liquid typically is nitrate-based, for example a pyridinium or substituted imidazolium nitrate, and contains a Bronstead or Franklin acid to increase the oxidizing power of the nitrate. Suitable acids are HNO3, H2SO4 and £NO<+>|. Imidazolium nitrates and certain pyridinium nitrates form one aspect of the invention.