Radiochemical separation of antimony by isotopic exchange

Isotopic exchange has been used to develop a simple and rapid procedure for radiochemical separation of antimony. A number of variables which affect the yield were studied and optimised, and antimony yields of 96% were obtained at 30 degrees . Acids and alkalies decrease this yield considerably because they dissolve part of the precipitate. The mode of preparation of the antimony oxide precipitate and the temperature also affect the isotopic exchange. Studies made with radioactive tracers of 14 different elements show contamination of < 1% for most elements. The high contamination with (95)Zr-(95)Nb can be reduced considerably by adding carrier. The simple procedure can be carried out in about 13 min and does not require any special equipment.