Extraction Properties of 4-Tetra(hydroxyphenyl)BTPhen in Liquid-Liquid Extraction Systems with Cyclohexanone/Octanol or in a Solid-Phase Extraction System

Abstract

The extraction properties of tetra(4-hydroxyphenyl)-BTPhen have been investigated. Liquid-Liquid extraction in proposed SANEX diluents, cyclohexanone and 1-octanol, indicate that actinide/lanthanide separation is superior in cyclohexanone however, actinide/actinide separation is more efficient in 1-octanol. Indeed, immobilization of the ligand onto silica support increases separation factor however, separation is assisted by nitrate ions and not pH induced, as previously reported. Lastly, the ligand was tested for removal of transition metals, results indicated >70% uptake of transition metals, in the presence of alkali and alkaline earth metals.