THE RADIOCHEMISTRY OF PLUTONIUM - Sciencemadness.org

Procedure 17. Separation of Np and Pu by Anion Exchange N. Jackson and J. F.
Short (Ref. 204)
Outline of Method
This procedure is described for macro amotmts of Pu and Np. It is based
on the fact that Pu(III) is not adsorbed on anion exchange resin, while Np(lY) is
strongly adsorbed at high HC1 concentrations. The valence adjustment is done before
adsorption on the column by dissolving the hydroxides in a concentrated HC1 solution
which has been saturated with NH41. The Np is removed from the column with 2 M —
HC1. The separation is quantitative and complete.
Procedure
The purification of 2.3 g of NP237 from approtimately50 mgof Pu 239 was
then undertaken. The h’p and Pu were precipitated as hydroxides, centrifuged, and
dissolved in 210 ml of cone. HC1 sat. with NH41. The solution was allowed to stand
for 30 min and poured onto a Deacidite FF anion column 20 cm 10ng and
2.5 cm diameter while a flow rate of 1 ml/min was maintained. The first 200 ml of
effluent were pale blue [ Pu(III) ] . The column was then washed with 100 ml cone.
HC1 and the wash collected separately. No activity was found in a drop collected at
the end of the washing.
The Np was finally eluted with 2~ HC1. It was possible to follow the dark green
band of the Np down the column and the first 40 ml of eluate was included with the
cone. HC1 wash. The whole of tbe Np was collected in the next 50 ml of eluate. No
activity was found in any eluate after this stage. Some ~ -y activity was detected on
the glass wool at the top of the resin column and was assumed to be Pa 233, the
237
daughter of Np .
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