Raman spectroscopy study of selected uranophanes

Raman spectra at 298 and 77 K of three uranophane samples from different localities are described and interpreted. The spectra are sample dependent. U–O bond lengths in uranyls are calculated from the spectra and compared with the published data of single crystal structure and EXAFS spectroscopy. Hydrogen-bonding of water molecules and silanols is discussed and the ‘proton mobility’ in uranophane sheet crystal structure is assumed.