Sequential separation of neptunium, plutonium, americium and curium using coprecipitation with bismuth phosphate

Abstract

The reaction of neptunium, plutonium and americium with oxidizing or reducing agents in phosphoric acid solution has been studied to design a separation procedure of the actinide elements using coprecipitation with bismuth phosphate. In the presence of uranium, successive separation of neptunium, plutonium, americium and curium was accomplished by combining the coprecipitation and redox reaction of the elements. The coprecipitation behaviour of fission products during the course of sequential separation of the actinide elements on bismuth phosphate was also discussed.