EXTRACTION CHROMATOGRAPHY OF CALIFORNIUM EINSTEINIUM AND FERMIUM WITH DI(2-ETHYLHEXYL)ORTHOPHOSPHORIC ACID

The extraction chromatography of Cf(III), Es(III), and Fm(III) was studied using di(2-ethylhexyl)orthophosphoric acid (HDEHP) adsorbed on hydrophobic diatomaceous earth. Dilute nitric and hydrochloric acid solutions were used as the elutriants. Column performance was studied as a function of particle size, capacity, flow rate, and temperature by measuring the number of theoretical plates obtained for Cf(III) and Es(III) elutions. The distribution coefficients of Cf(III), Es(III), and Fm(III) and the separation factors, Es/Cf and Fm/Es, were studied as a function of temperature with HDEHP adsorbed on Celite, pure undiluted HDEHP, and HDEHP in heptane. The extraction chromatography method was applied to the separation of Es(III) and Fm(III). © 1969.