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Updated: Aug 29, 2025
12:22
Speciation and Bioavailability Measurements of Environmental Plutonium Using Diffusion in Thin Films
Published on: November 9, 2015
11.4K
Photochemical separation of plutonium from uranium
Ida M DiMucci1, Harrison D Root1, Zachary R Jones1
1Los Alamos National Laboratory, P. O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA. stosh@lanl.gov.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|September 9, 2022
Summary
Photochemistry offers a safer alternative for plutonium purification by enabling photoreduction of plutonium and uranium. This method allows for efficient separation of plutonium and uranium using anion exchange chromatography.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Radiochemistry
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Plutonium purification is essential for nuclear technologies.
- Current methods involve chemical redox agents with safety and compatibility issues.
- Safer alternatives are needed for plutonium processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore photochemistry as a safer alternative for plutonium oxidation-state adjustment.
- To investigate the photoreduction of Pu(IV) to Pu(III) and U(VI) to U(IV).
- To assess the separation efficiency of photogenerated Pu(III) and U(IV) via anion exchange chromatography.
Main Methods:
- Photoreduction of plutonium and uranium in aqueous hydrochloric and nitric acid solutions.
- Anion exchange chromatography for separating photogenerated Pu(III) and U(IV).
Main Results:
- Successful photoreduction of Pu(IV) to Pu(III) and U(VI) to U(IV) was achieved.
- High yield (>90%) and good separation factor (322) were obtained for Pu(III) and U(IV) using anion exchange chromatography.
Conclusions:
- Photochemistry presents a viable and safer alternative to traditional chemical redox agents for plutonium separation.
- This photochemical approach enhances safety and compatibility with modern processing facilities and waste stream requirements.
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