Separation of minor actinides from lanthanides in acidic media using symmetric and asymmetric dithiophosphinic acid extractants

INOR 539

Dean R. Peterman, dean.peterman@inl.gov1, Mitchell R. Greenhalgh1, Richard D. Tillotson, tillrd@inel.gov1, John R. Klaehn, john.klaehn@inl.gov2, Mason K. Harrup, mason.harrup@inl.gov2, Thomas A. Luther, thomas.luther@inl.gov2, Jack D. Law, Jack.Law@inl.gov1, and Lee M. Daniels, ldaniels@RigakuMSC.com3. (1) Aqueous Separations and Radiochemistry Department, Idaho National Laboratory, Mail Stop 7113, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-7113, (2) Department of Chemical Sciences, Idaho National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-2208, (3) Rigaku/MSC, Inc, 9009 New Trails Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381
The selective extraction of the minor actinides (Am(III) and Cm(III)) from the lanthanides is an important part of advanced reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. This separation would allow the Am/Cm to be fabricated into a target and recycled to a reactor and the lanthanides to be disposed. This separation is difficult to accomplish due to the similarities in the chemical properties of the trivalent actinides and lanthanides. Research efforts at the Idaho National Laboratory have identified an innovative synthetic pathway yielding new regiospecific dithiophosphinic acid extractants. Several new symmetric and asymmetric dithiophosphinic acid extractants have been prepared. The use of these extractants for the separation of minor actinides from lanthanides will be discussed. In addition, the possible role of the diluent in the selective separation of minor actinides from lanthanides will be examined.
 

Chemistry of Lanthanides and Actinides
2:00 PM-5:20 PM, Tuesday, August 21, 2007 BCEC -- 212, Oral

Division of Inorganic Chemistry

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007