On the increase of sensitivity and specificity in the oscillopolarography of uranium

Abstract

The behaviour of uranium in both organic and inorganic supporting electrolytes is examined, and also the influence of complexing agents on the incision in the curve, dE/dt =f(E). The addition of TEA to supporting electrolytes consisting of organic acids increases the sensitivity and the selectivity. The reaction becomes specific when the following are added to the supporting electrolyte: EDTA, thiourea, or substances that precipitate the interfering ions (e.g.,K4Fe(CN)6. It has been possible to detect U(VI) in the presence of 16 different ions. The behaviour of uranium has also been studied in complex-forming media: EDTA-TEA, pyridine and tetra-acetic nitrile. Specific reduction of uranium was obtained in these media in the presence of 17 other ions. In every case, the incision corresponds to the reduction of a complex absorbed on the surface of the electrode