A method for the mg scale separation of curium(III) from americium(III) by HPLC using a SCX column

Precise determination of 244Cm by 244Cm/239Pu alpha ratio measurements

“…Separation of Cm from Am was based on a high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method using a strong cationic exchange column (LUNA SCX, 4 mm id, 250 mm long) and a pH = 3.7 adjusted solution of HMBA. 19 This separation is highly specific for Cm and ensures apart from complete removal of the 244 Cm daughter chain also removal of chemically similar actinides or lanthanides. The 5 mL Cm solution was injected on the column followed by the chromatographic separation with on-line detection allowing a Cm fraction separated from Am to be collected.…”

“…The Am decontamination factor was determined to be larger than 300 by comparing the 59.6 keV line of 241 Am peak before and after separation. To further reduce the Am background in the separation system, the HPLC and on-line detection system was cleaned and a new, clean Luna HPLC column, 19,20 was installed. The last two separation steps (HPLC and conversion) were then repeated twice to yield a radiochemically pure Cm fraction which was used in this work.…”

Nd, Am and Cm isotopic measurements after simultaneous separation in transmutation irradiated samples

“…Therefore, lanthanides with the most stable complexes will elute first, whereas lanthanides with less stable complexes elute later: the elution order goes from Lu to La. The Am/Cm separation is more challenging due to similar chemical properties 25 . Recent studies showed that the combination HMB as the eluent and LUNA SCX as the column provides the most efficient separation 25 .…”

“…The Am/Cm separation is more challenging due to similar chemical properties 25 . Recent studies showed that the combination HMB as the eluent and LUNA SCX as the column provides the most efficient separation 25 . The same combination eluent/column (HMB/LUNA SCX) with appropriate conditions described in the experimental section, was then selected to perform the lanthanide and the Am/Cm separation, in one step.…”