Advanced hydrometallurgical separation of actinides and rare metals in nuclear fuel cycle

Ozawa, Masaki; Suzuki, Shinichi; Takeshita, Kenji*

A hydrometallurgical separation technologies by novel solvent extraction (SX), ion exchange chromatography (IXC) and electrolytic extraction techniques are reviewed as separation tools for light PGM (Ru, Rh, Pd), Tc and -elements in high level liquid wastes of the nuclear fuel cycle. The SX process using N,N-dialkylamide can isolate U(VI) from fission products without Pu(IV) valence control, and extractants with soft-hard hybrid donors (PTA and PDA) and those containing six soft donors (TPEN) show good separation of actinides (III) from lanthanides (III). The catalytic electrolytic extraction (CEE) process utilizing Pd or Rh can effectively separate platinum group metals (PGM), Tc and Re by means of controlled under potential deposition (UPD). Some of the basic work on the hydrometallurgical separation of the elements of interest has been carried out through the strategic Advanced (Adv.-) ORIENT Cycle research in Japan.