Micelle mediated extraction of americium and europium by calix[4]arene phosphine oxides from nitric acid media

Abstract

© 2016, Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary.152Eu and 241Am recovery from HNO3 by conventional and micelle mediated extraction are studied. It is stated that radionuclides distribution ratios D (KD) in micelle mediated extraction are significantly higher than those of conventional extraction, with 241Am is slightly less extracted than 152Eu. Distribution ratios dependence on medium acidity is similar for both processes, with extraction maximum at C (HNO3) = 0.2–1 mol L−1. Microscopic research and dynamic light scattering prove micellar nature of calixarene solutions. Nano-scale of particles, which accumulate radionuclides, is confirmed by ultramicrofiltration. This method is also applied for studies of radionuclides re-extraction and electrochemical deposition.