Anion exchange behaviour of the transplutonium and rare earth elements in nitric acid — Methyl alcohol media at elevated temperature

Anion exchange behaviour of the transplutonium (Am, Cm and Cf), rare earth (Y, Ce, Pm and Eu) and some other elements (U, Al, Sr and Cs) has been investigated in nitric acid-methyl alcohol media at temperatures up to 90°C. Distribution coefficients and separation factors of the elements were determined in the media at 90°C as a function of concentrations of nitric acid and methyl alcohol. Separation factors decrease significantly but the resolution of eluted elements improves with increasing temperature. Chromatographic separation of those elements was rapidly performed by using a very small column at 90°C. The effluent of the column received on a metal disk can be readily evaporated and one may immediately prepare samples for alpha-ray spectrometry.