Separation of Americium in High Oxidation States from Curium Utilizing Sodium Bismuthate

Abstract

A simple separation of americium from curium would support closure of the nuclear fuel cycle, assist in nuclear forensic analysis, and allow for more accurate measurement of neutron capture properties of (241)Am. Methods for the separation of americium from curium are however complicated and time-consuming due to the similar chemical properties of these elements. In this work a novel method for the separation of americium from curium in nitric acid media was developed using sodium bismuthate to perform both the oxidation and separation. Sodium bismuthate is shown to be a promising material for performing a simple and rapid separation. Curium is more strongly retained than americium on the undissolved sodium bismuthate at nitric acid concentrations below 1.0 M. A separation factor of ∼90 was obtained in 0.1 M nitric acid. This separation factor is achieved within the first minute of contact and is maintained for at least 2 h of contact. Separations using sodium bismuthate were performed using solid-liquid extraction as well as column chromatography.

Americium preferred: lanmodulin, a natural lanthanide-binding protein favors an actinide over lanthanides

“…The isolation of americium from lanthanides is of particular interest, as they occur commonly together in nuclear waste and are challenging to separate. 23,24 Using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) in combination with the excellent luminescent properties of the two f-block elements Cm and Eu, enables inter-metal competition binding studies regarding the whole lanthanide series and selected An, revealing a relative affinity trend of LanM for the chosen elements.…”

Recent Advances in Nuclear Forensic Chemistry

“…For a more comprehensive discussion of the underlying chemical processes in actinide chemistry, the reader is directed to the compendium assembled by Morss and co-workers, The Chemistry of the Actinide and Transactinide Elements , which deals with these topics in substantial detail . Despite the lengthy history of radiochemical separations that took place throughout the American nuclear program, advancements in actinide separation chemistry are still being made more than 70 years after the Manhattan Project, showcasing the chemical complexity required for these processes. − …”

Americium preferred: Lanmodulin, a natural lanthanide-binding protein favors an actinide over lanthanides

“…commonly together in nuclear waste and are challenging to separate. 23,24 Using time-resolved laser-induced uorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) in combination with the excellent luminescent properties of the two f-block elements Cm and Eu, enables inter-metal competition binding studies regarding the whole lanthanide series and selected actinides, revealing a relative affinity trend of LanM for the chosen elements.…”