Highly efficient synergic oxidation leaching of uranium by sodium hypochlorite and potassium permanganate

Abstract

This study used oxidative pre-treatment and leaching methods to examine the extraction efficiency of uranium oxide (UO₂) from UO₂ ore. A 4-hour oxidative pre-treatment at 75 °C using a solution of 0.1 g of KMnO₄, 3 mL of NaClO, and 12 mL of water at pH 0.3 was one of the ideal settings. After this treatment, 100 mL of deionized water at room temperature showed a leaching rate of 99.9% after 24 h. The results showed that leaching efficiency was much increased by acidic conditions. These findings providing insights to improve extraction in the uranium industry.

Graphical abstract