SORPTION AND SEPARATION OF SOME ELEMENTS OF NUCLEAR IMPORTANCE USING CHELEX-100

Chelex-100, in the anionic form has been studied for its ability to pe rform selective separation and concentration of some metal ions of nuc lear importance from mineral acid solutions. The sorption behavior of Zr(IV)-Nb(V), Mo(VI), Tc(VII), Te(IV) and U(VI) from solutions of hydr ochloric and sulphuric acids on Chelex-100 has been studied under stat ic and dynamic conditions. Mo(VI) and Tc(VII) have been concentrated o n the resin from hydrochloric or sulphuric acid solutions at low acidi ties probably, as the anions MoO42- and TcO4-, respectively. Te(IV) ha s been isolated from hydrochloric acid solutions of normalities greate r than or equal to 6 in the form of the anionic chloro complex TeCl62- . Optimum conditions for elution and separation of Mo(VI), Tc(VII), Te (TV) and U(VT) were recommended.