An electrocatalyzed process for leaching of plutonium from active gauntlets and subsequent separation by solvent extraction

An electrocatalyzed process has been described for the dissolution of pluto nium from the contaminated neoprene gauntlets used during the fabrication o f plutonium-bearing fuels. Agents Ag(ll) and Ce(IV) were used as catalysts. The results indicated that it was possible to leach out plutonium satisfac torily from such contaminated neoprene gauntlets. The problems involved in processing with Ag(ll) and the limitations of the process are also discusse d. Further, plutonium was separated from the leached solution by solvent ex traction using di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid as the extractant.