Radiochemical separation of thorium by isotope ion exchange

The aim of the present work is to obtain the separation of²³³Th from the radioisotopes formed in the irradiation of Mn, U, Ba, Cs, Co and the lanthanide elements with thermal neutrons, because they may interfere in the neutron activation analysis of Th, when the activity of²³³Th is used. The experiments were performed with the resin Bio-Rad AG 50W X-4 and X-8 (100–200 mesh) in the thorium form. The separation of²³³Th from the interfering radioisotopes is based on the retention of²³³Th by the resin (isotope exchange) and the elution of the interfering radioisotopes with a dilute solution of Th in 0.5M HCl. Batch experiments were made in order to determine the equilibrium time for the isotopic ion exchange of thorium and also the distribution coefficients of the interfering elements between the solution and the resin. Column experiments were carried out with the purpose of establishing the conditions that allow the maximum isotope exchange of²³³Th and the minimum retention of the interfering radioisotopes in the resin. With this purpose, a statistical interpretation of a four variable experimental design is presented.From a thesis submitted by C. Sepúlveda Munita to the Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (CNEN/SP) University of São Paulo, in partial fulfillment of a Doctor of Science's Degree. Work supported by the Brazilian Atomic Energy Commission.