Liquid–liquid extraction of trivalent americium from carbonate and carbonate–peroxide aqueous solutions by methyltrioctylammonium carbonate in toluene

Abstract

Liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) of microamounts of americium(III) from Na2CO3 and Na2CO3–H2O2 aqueous solution using methyltrioctylammonium (MTOA) carbonate in toluene has been studied. The distribution ratio of americium(III) into the organic phase can reach values of > 200 from aqueous phases of dilute Na2CO3 and H2O2. With an increase in concentration of Na2CO3 and H2O2 the value of distribution ratio of americium(III) decreases. The stoichiometry of the extracted species of americium(III) was determined on the basis of the slope analysis method. The extracted species are R4N[Am(CO3)2] and (R4N)3[Am(CO3)3], where R4N is MTOA.