The quantitative separation and determination of tantalum and niobium using anion exchange chromatographY

A method is described for separating .and determining niobium and tantalum in mixtures of the two. A solution of the two elements in 3M hydrochloric.0.1M hydrofluoric acid is put on a column of Deacidite FF, the niobium is rapidly eluted with 3M hydrochloric.0.1M hydrofluoric acid and the tantalum is recovered by elution with 4M ammonium chloride-M ammonium fluoride. A complete separation is obtained and the two elements are recovered as their oxides after precipitation. The effecth of some other elements have been examined.