Extraction and separation of60Co and65Zn halides from H2SO4 with TBP and amberlite LA-2

A systematic study is presented on the extraction of⁶⁰Co and⁶⁵Zn bromides and chlorides from H₂SO₄ with tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) and Amberlite LA-2. It has been found that the presence of a little HBr or HCl enhances the extraction of the two isotopes with both solvents. The extractions of⁶⁰Co and⁶⁵Zn have been studied as functions of the acidity (HBr, HCl or H₂SO₄) in the aqueous phase, and of the diluent and solvent concentrations in the organic phase. The presence of water-miscible alcohols or acetone enhances extraction. A suggested extraction mechanism is presented in the light of the obtained results.