SEPARATION OF Y-90 FROM SR-90 ON CRYSTALLINE ANTIMONIC(V) ACID

The ion exchange of Sr2+ and Y3+ On crystalline antimonic(V) acid (C-A A) was studied in order to choose the best conditions for separation o f both cations. Strong dependence of the C-AA ion exchange selectivity on the radius of the cations makes possible effective separation of Y 3+ from Sr2+. Y-90 secular equilibrium with Sr-90 was easily separated on a C-AA column in a single and rapid procedure. The yttrium fractio n obtained was very pure; the activity of the long-lived radioactive c ontaminant (Sr-90) was less than 0.03%.