SOLVENT-EXTRACTION STUDIES OF AMERICIUM(III) USING SAPONIFIED ACIDIC ORGANOPHOSPHOROUS EXTRACTANTS

A systematic study on the extraction of Am(III) from aqueous nitric ac id medium using saponified organophosphorous extractants 2-ethylhexyl 2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid (PC88A) and di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric ac id (HDEHP) has been carried out. The distribution data obtained for Am (III) showed significant increase in the values with saponified extrac tants. The studies carried out with variation of parameters such as HN O3 concentration and percentage saponification of organic extractants revealed that Am(III) could be quantitatively extracted from aqueous n itric acid medium by choosing the proper saponification of the extract ants. An attempt has been made to derive the mathematical models for t he extraction behaviour of Am(III) with these extractants. (C) 1998 El sevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.