Single step conversion of UO2 and U3O8 into uranyl sulphate solution

A direct and simple method for the conversion of UO2 and U3O8 powder into u ranyl sulphate solution is described, eliminating many tedious chemical ste ps. UO2 and U3O8 are not soluble in concentrated or dilute sulphuric acid, as uranium in lower oxidation state does not react with sulphuric acid. How ever, nitric acid oxidizes uranium from lower valency to higher valency sta te, i.e., tetravalent to the hexavalent uranyl ion in solution. Sufficient amount of sulphuric acid present in the reaction mixture makes it possible for uranyl ions, formed by oxidation of nitric acid, to react with sulphuri c acid forming uranyl sulphate.