Functionalized Dipicolinic Acid Derivatives as TALSPEAK-MME Stripping Agents

ABSTRACT

This work describes the results of an assessment of two derivatives of dipicolinic acid (DPA) as the actinide-selective stripping reagents in the combined HEH[EHP]/Cyanex-923 system, TALSPEAK-MME (mixed monofunctional extractants). One purpose of this investigation is to demonstrate probable advantages derived in phase-transfer kinetics by deploying dipicolinates as preorganized aminopolycarboxylate complexants in TALSPEAK-derived separation systems. The investigation is focused on the behavior of the lanthanides, Am, and selected transition metals (Zr, Mo, Pd, Ru, and Rh) in the extraction, solvent conditioning, and stripping steps. Solvent conditioning with glycine buffer solutions is shown to be effective for the removal of entrained HNO₃ while also managing Pd concentration prior to actinide stripping. The efficacy of the DPA derivative during the actinide-selective strip was assessed, focusing explicitly on the effects of pH and ligand concentration and evaluating the stripping kinetics. These ligands were shown to be highly selective for americium, producing in the TALSPEAK-MME platform separation factors comparable to commonly used actinide selective stripping agents for radiotracer Eu, Am, a trans-lanthanide series and selected transition metals. The stripping kinetics study revealed very rapid phase-transfer reactions, reaching equilibrium in less than 10 s on vigorous agitation. Further work will be required to address the possible contamination of the product by selected transition metals (such as Zr) during the stripping step.

KEYWORDS:

• TALSPEAK
• actinide
• lanthanide
• Solvent Extraction
• Dipicolinic Acid

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Dr. Scott Boroughs in the GeoAnalytical Lab in WSU School of the Environment for his ICP-MS analysis in support of this work.

Additional information

Funding

This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Fuel Cycle Research and Development program, Sigma Team for Minor Actinide Separations, under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830.