Redox stabilization of Am(v) in a biphasic extraction system boosts americium/lanthanides separation efficiency

Abstract

Americium (Am) is a key radioactive element in consideration in nuclear waste treatment. Separation of Am from the fission products, lanthanides, is a prerequisite to minimize the hazardous impact of Am and make utilization of rare Am isotopes, but it represents a great challenge due to the chemical similarity between the two groups of elements. Herein, we realize the separation by first oxidizing Am(III) to high valent Am(VI) and then converting it to Am(V) in situ in a biphasic extraction system with Bi(V) oxidant incorporated in an organic phase. Am(V) is highly stabilized during the separation process and this leads to record high Ln/Am separation factors (>10⁵) in a single contact over a wide range of acidities.