Unusual transport behaviour of actinide ions with a novel calix[4]arene-tetra-diglycolamide (C4DGA) extractant as the carrier

► A novel calix-4DGA extractant is used for actinide ion transport. ► The transport efficiency was Pu4+ > Am3+ > Pu3+ ≫ UO22+. ► Eu3+ transport rates were significantly higher than those for Am3+. ► Calix-4DGA extractant can be used for selective separation of Pu/Am from U.