Rapid americium separations from complex matrices using commercially available extraction chromatography resins

Abstract

A method for rapid separation of americium from complex matrices by use of two commercially available extraction chromatography resins is reported. TRU resin is capable of purifying americium/lanthanides together from Group 1, Group 2 and transition metals. TRU resin tolerated high loadings of iron, aluminium, calcium sodium and potassium. TEVA resin purified americium/lanthanides by elution with ammonium thiocyanate. Decontamination factors > 20,000 were achieved within one working day. The affinity of TEVA resin for americium, curium and lanthanides as a function of ammonium thiocyanate concentration is reported. The possibility of americium/lanthanide separations on LN resin has been explored.