INFLUENCE OF CO-IONS IN THE ELUENT ON THE SEPARATION FACTOR OF LITHIUM ISOTOPES

The influence of co-ions in the eluent on the separation factor (alpha) of lithium isotope separation has been studied by ion exchange chromatography. A strongly acid cation exchange resin (Dowex 50W-X8) was used for the separation of lithium isotopes. The co-ions used in eluent were H+, K+, Ba2+, Cu2+, Al3+ and Cr3+ as their chlorides. From the experiments, it was found that Li-6 was enriched in the resin phase and Li-7 in solution phase. At the same distribution coefficient (K(d) = 30), the separation factor increased linearly with the charge of co-ion (alpha = 1.0022 to 1.0039).