Direct dissolution and spectroscopic characterization of uranium hexafluoride in ionic liquid

Storing uranium hexafluoride, UF 6 , is challenging due to the high chemical reactivity and volatility. Dissolution of UF 6 into the ionic liquid reduces volatility while simultaneously providing stability for the dissolved species. The ionic liquid, 1-methyl-1-propylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide provides a stable, non-volatile environment for the reactive dissolution of UF 6 . The oxidation of the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion (TFSI) to form a radical facilitates dissolution. Spectroscopic analysis indicates the dissolution occurs through the one electron reduction of UF 6 to produce the pentavalent UF 6 − species.