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NMR
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Release
pH 5.4
Ph
UV-Vis
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c
From fresh buffer
Water
DCE
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31P{1H}
NMR
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Fig. 3 | Simplified depiction of half H-cell and spectroscopic measurements
for the biphasic electrochemical capture/release of dissolved UO22+ (yellow
sphere) from/to buffered aqueous solutions. See Methods and Extended
Data Fig. 7 for an expanded stepwise figure and all experimental details.
a, Biphasic mixture of UO2X2 dissolved in a NaOAc-buffered aqueous solution
(pH 5.4) and of electrochemically generated 2b from 1 (X = OAc− or NO3−). Inset,
aqueous UV-Vis and organic 31P{1H} NMR spectra after reduction of 1 to 2b, but
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b, Simplified depiction of the captured UO2X2 in the form of 3N and/or 4N.
Inset, aqueous UV-Vis spectrum showing the capture of UO2X2 by the 2b/DCE
layer (top); the corresponding 31P{1H} NMR spectrum of the DCE layer showing
the captured major product (3N/4N) and minor residual 1 (bottom). c, Biphasic
release of UO2X2 from the DCE layer to a fresh NaOAc-buffered solution
(pH 5.4), following electrochemical oxidation of 3N/4N. Inset, aqueous
UV-Vis and organic 31P{1H} NMR spectra of free UO2X2 and 1, respectively—both
consistent with the release of captured UO2X2 from the DCE to the aqueous
phase. A small amount (~20%) of unknown byproducts (marked by asterisks) is
also observed in the 31P{1H} NMR spectrum.
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