Separation of lithium and magnesium isotopes by hydrous manganese(IV) oxide

Abstract

Lithium and magnesium isotopes were separated by chemical ion exchange using hydrous manganese(IV) oxide and elution chromatography. The capacity of manganese(IV) oxide was 0.5 meq/g. The glass ion exchange column used was 35 cm long with an inner diameter of 0.2 cm, and 2.0M CH3COONH4 solution served as eluent. The single stage separation factor was determined from the elution curves and isotopic assays according to the method of Glueckauf. The separation factor of 6Li+-7Li+ was 1.022±0.002, those of 24Mg2+-25Mg2+, 24Mg2+-26Mg2+, and 25Mg2+-26Mg2+ were 1.012±0.001, 1.021±0.002, and 1.011±0.001, respectively.