Glycolamide-functionalized ionic liquid: Synthesis and actinide ion extraction studies

ABSTRACT

A glycolamide-functionalized ionic liquid (G-FIL) was synthesized for the first time and was evaluated for the extraction of actinide ions such as Am³⁺, Pu⁴⁺ and UO₂²⁺ and fission product element ions such as Eu³⁺, Sr²⁺ and Cs⁺. The extraction of the trivalent metal ions was found to be exceptionally high at low acid concentrations, which rapidly decreased with increasing acidity. In view of the high viscosity of the G-FIL, the studies were carried out using its diluted solution in a commercial ionic liquid, viz. 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C₄mim][Tf₂N]).

KEYWORDS:

• Actinide
• extraction
• functionalized ionic liquid
• glycolamide

Acknowledgements

The authors (DRR and PKM) thank Dr. P.K. Pujari, Head, Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, for his keen interest.

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed on the publisher’s website.