We have demonstrated separation of Pu and in-grown Am using the gaseou
s reagent dioxygen difluoride. Aged PuF4 was fluorinated at room tempe
rature to generate PuF6 gas, which was trapped separately and reduced
to PuF4. The reaction product contained very little Am. Unreacted soli
d had elevated concentrations of Am that were consistent with a materi
al balance. Use of a gaseous reagent and product enabled remote handli
ng during reaction and purification. This result demonstrated a simple
and minimal waste alternative that may have application to a number o
f actinide purification problems.