Investigations on the interactions between plutonium and synthetic water-soluble polymers

The interactions between Pu(IV) and Pu(VI), respectively, and some synthetic water-soluble polymers were investigated by absorption spectroscopy and ultrafiltration. Depending on the type of polymer plutonium can be bound by different mechanisms. Poly(acrylic acid) binds Pu(IV) and Pu(VI) by stepwise complexation, which can be observed by absorption spectroscopy. Due to chelation, some of the formation constants are greater than those from corresponding complexes with low-molecular carboxylic acids. By poly(styrenesulfonic acid) and poly(vinylesulfonic acid), Pu(IV) is bound via counterion condensation. In nitrate and chloride media, anionic Pu(IV) complexes may be bound by quaternary ammonium polymers like poly(diallydimethylammonium chloride) and permethylated poly(ethyleneimine).