Separation of Pb and Bi from proton irradiated lead–bismuth eutectic target using different anion exchangers

Abstract

Lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) is the proposed material for use as converter targets in the ISOL facilities globally. In this paper, an LBE target was irradiated with 22 MeV proton beam for 7.6 h to produce 203,204,205,206Bi, 203Pb along with 207Po. Separation of bulk Pb and Bi has been carried out using Aliquat-336 (tricaprylmethylammonium chloride), TOA (trioctyl amine) and DOWEX-1 as extractants. Bi was selectively extracted to the organic/solid phase leaving Pb in aqueous medium. High separation factor between Pb and Bi was observed when 0.5 M TOA and 1 M HNO3 were used as organic and aqueous phase respectively.