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From separation to photothermal conversion: selective crystallization of thorium from lanthanides
Junpu Yang1, Yaoyao Bai1, Guangtao Zhang1
1School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China. jianlin@xjtu.edu.cn.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|June 18, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a new crystallization method to separate Thorium(IV) from Lanthanides(III). This process created a novel Thorium-oxo cluster (Th-pca) with high separation factors and unique photothermal properties.
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Radiochemistry
Background:
- Separating Thorium(IV) from Lanthanide(III) is challenging due to similar chemical properties.
- Lanthanide and actinide separation is crucial for nuclear fuel reprocessing and rare-earth element recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient method for separating Thorium(IV) from Lanthanide(III) ions.
- To synthesize and characterize a novel Thorium-oxo cluster with potential functional properties.
Main Methods:
- Selective crystallization strategy.
- Characterization of the synthesized Thorium-oxo cluster (Th-pca).
- Determination of separation factors for Thorium(IV) over Europium(III) and Ytterbium(III).
Main Results:
- A novel Thorium-oxo cluster, Th-pca, was successfully synthesized.
- High separation factors were achieved: 203,935 (Th/Eu) and 111,229 (Th/Yb).
- The Th-pca cluster exhibits photothermal properties, a rare characteristic for actinide-based materials.
Conclusions:
- The developed crystallization strategy enables efficient separation of Thorium(IV) from Lanthanide(III).
- The new Th-pca cluster is a functional actinide-based material with potential applications in separation science and thermal management.
