Preparation of α-sources of U(VI) and Th(IV) by the electrodeposition technique in the presence of Ca2+ and some trivalent metals

A new method for the electrodeposition of uranium and thorium from an aqueous/ethanol media in the presence of Ca(II) and some trivalent metals is described. The deposition is carried out at a constant weak voltage of 30 V and starting current intensity of 3A. The deposition yields of uranium is investigated as a function of the amounts of various carriers and impurities such as Fe, Al, Bi, La and Ca as well as acetic, nitric and hydrochloric acids. All solutions containing up to 900 ppm of Ca2+ and 100 -150 mug of the foreign ions namely: Fe, Bi or La can be used with no chemical separation. Uranium and thorium recoveries between 80 and 96% are obtained and the resolution is typically 25-40 keV. Procedure without chemical purification is proposed for a selective electrodeposition of U(VI) and Th(IV) from one another and from calcium. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.