Determination of weight distribution ratios of Pa(V) and Np(V) with some extraction chromatography resins and the AG1-X8 resin

• Pa(V) and Np(V) behaviour in HCl and HNO3 with AG1-X8, TEVA, TRU and U/TEVA resins.
• Efficient separation of Pa from Np.
• Efficient separation of Pa from uranium matrix material.

Literature data on distribution ratios (Dw) of Np(V) and Pa(V) for the AG1-X8 resin are scarce whereas those related on resin capacity factors (k′) values for TEVA, TRU and U/TEVA resins are absent. Therefore, batch extraction experiments for Pa(V) and Np(V) from HCl and HNO3 media were realized, at tracer scale, with AG1-X8 and EIChroM resins (TEVA, TRU and U/TEVA). Based on the new Dw and k′ values obtained in this study, a new protocol for Pa/Np separation has been developed leading to a better separation factor of 105 and a chemical yield of 97 ± 3% and 99 ± 1% for Pa and Np, respectively. A separation of 231Pa from uranium matrix was successfully tested.

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