Separation of Cm-248 from a Cf-252 neutron source for production of Cm targets

Authors
Malmbeck, R Apostolidis, C Carlos, R Glatz, JP Molinet, R Morgenstern, A Nicholl, A Pagliosa, G Romer, K Schadel, M Satmark, B Trautmann, N
Citation
R. Malmbeck et al., Separation of Cm-248 from a Cf-252 neutron source for production of Cm targets, RADIOCH ACT, 89(9), 2001, pp. 543-549
Citations number
26
Categorie Soggetti
Inorganic & Nuclear Chemistry
Journal title
RADIOCHIMICA ACTA
ISSN journal
00338230 → ACNP
Volume
89
Issue
9
Year of publication
2001
Pages
543 - 549
Database
ISI
SICI code
0033-8230(2001)89:9<543:SOCFAC>2.0.ZU;2-7
Abstract
The separation of milligram amounts of Cm-248 from Cf-252 is presented. Ess entially isotopically pure Cm-248 was obtained from an "old" Cf-252 neutron source by acid leaching. Curium was separated from californium in a cation exchange column combining two different eluents: alpha -HMBA at pH 4.0 for Cf, and alpha -HIBA at pH 4.8 for Cm. The method was first tested using Sm and Gd as actinide analogues. Excellent separation was obtained, yielding 12.6 mg Cm (11.9 mg Cm-248) free from Cf (Cf-250 < 1.3 x 10(-2) ng and Cf-2 52 < 4.2 x 10(-3) ng).