Solvent extraction of trivalent europium and americium into nitrobenzene by using hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate and tetraisopropyl[oxybis(2,1-ethanediyliminocarbonyl)]-bisphosphoramidate

Abstract

Solvent extraction of micro-amounts of Eu3+ and Am3+ from water into nitrobenzene by means of a mixture of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H+B-) and tetraisopropyl[oxybis(2,1-ethanediyliminocarbonyl)]-bisphosphoramidate (L) was studied. The equilibrium data were explained assuming that the species HL+, ML2 3+ and ML3 3+ (M3+ = Eu3+ or Am3+) are extracted into the organic phase. Extraction and stability constants of the cationic complex species in nitrobenzene saturated with water were determined and discussed. From the experimental results, it is obvious that this effective ligand L for the Eu3+ and Am3+ could be considered as a potential extraction agent for nuclear waste treatment.