Extraction separation of minor actinides and lanthanides by 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-diamide with phenyl group in nitric acid systems

Tsutsui, Nao  ; Nakase, Masahiko*; Ito, Sayumi*; Ban, Yasutoshi  ; Matsumura, Tatsuro  ; Takeshita, Kenji*

The extraction properties of three 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-diamide derivatives ( , -diethly- , -bis(4-ethylphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxamide (Et(EtPh)PTDA), , -dihexyl- , -bis(4-hexylphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxamide (Hex(HexPh)PTDA), and , -didodecyl- , -bis(4-dodecylphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxamide (Dd(DdPh)PTDA)) were studied for the separation of minor actinides (Am and Cm) and lanthanide (Eu) using single-stage batch methods. The results demonstrated that the PTDA derivatives extracted Am more efficiently than Eu or Cm. Furthermore, PTDA functionalized with short alkyl chains exhibited higher distribution ratios toward Eu, Am, and Cm when compared with those exhibited with longer chains. It was also revealed that the separation factor of Am with respect to Eu was relatively large, and that the alkyl chain length did not affect the separation factor when the same concentration of PTDA was used.