Sequential separation of actinides and lanthanides by extraction chromatography using a CMPO-TBP/XAD7 column

CMPO/TBP sorbed on Amberlite XAD7 resin was used for the separation of acti nides and lanthanides from nitric acid solutions by extraction chromatograp hy. The distribution ratios of actinides and lanthanide fission products (C e, Eu) as a function of acid concentration and some complexing agents were determined. In strong HNO3 medium (>1 mol/l) the tri-, tetra- and hexavalen t actinides as well as the lanthanides have shown great affinity for the CM PO/TBP/XAD7 sorbent. The same behavior was found in HCl medium except for t rivalent actinides and lanthanides which show lower distribution values in the same acid range. The effect of some complexing agents as DTPA and ammon ium oxalate were also investigated, In DTPA only hexavalent actinides showe d higher distribution value. On the basis of these differences, an alternat ive procedure for actinide-lanthanide separation and actinides from each ot her is proposed.