An integrated method and system for trivalent actinides and lanthanides separation and trivalent actinides mutual separation

Abstract

The invention relates to an integrated method for trivalent actinides and lanthanides separation and trivalent actinides mutual separation, which comprises: adjusting the pH value of a solution containing trivalent lanthanide and actinide ions to an appropriate value, wherein the actinide ions include americium ions and curium ions; adding an aqueous phase complexing agent, the solution is contacted with the organic phase of an extractant containing alkyl or aryl dithiophosphonic acid and nitrogen containing reagents, and actinides is extracted into the organic phase. The loaded organic phase containing actinide ions was washed by an aqueous phase with a certain pH value. The loaded organic phase is stripped with an aqueous phase of a certain pH value, and the curium ion is stripped into the aqueous phase to achieve the separation of americium and curium. The organic phase is then contacted with dilute nitric acid solution, and the americium ion in the organic phase is stripped into the aqueous phase. The invention can significantly improve the separation factor of americium and curium and reduce the operating pH value. And within the same system, the separation of trivalent actinides and trivalent lanthanides, as well as the mutual separation of trivalent actinides can be realized simultaneously through extraction and stepwise stripping, simplifying the separation process and improving separation efficiency.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.