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 () 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 that⁶Li was enriched in the resin phase and⁷Li in solution phase. At the same distribution coefficient (K_d=30), the separation factor increased linearly with the charge of co-ion (=1.0022 to 1.0039).