Structure–thermodynamics relationship of schoepite from first-principles

Abstract

The relationship between the structure and thermodynamic properties of schoepite, an important uranyl phase with formula [(UO₂)₈O₂(OH)₁₂]·12H₂O formed upon corrosion of UO₂, has been investigated within the framework of density functional perturbation theory (DFPT). Experimental crystallographic lattice parameters are well reproduced in this study using standard DFT. Phonon calculations within the quasi-harmonic approximation predict standard molar entropy and isobaric heat capacity of S⁰ = 179.60 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹ and C⁰_P = 157.4 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 298.15 K, i.e., ∼6% and ∼4% larger than existing DFPT-D2 calculations. The computed variation of the standard molar isobaric heat capacity with water content from schoepite (UO₃·xH₂O, x = 2.25) to dehydrated schoepite (x = 1) is predicted to be essentially linear along isotherms ranging from 100 to 500 K. These findings have important implications for the dehydration of layered uranyl corrosion phases and hygroscopic materials.