Separation of californium from curium by means of ion exchange and thermal sublimation

Consideration to the sorption of curium and californium from the aqueous- alcoholic solutions of perchloric acid on the anion-exchange resin dowex-1 and cation-exchange resin dowex-50 depending on solution composition is given. Based on the data obtained under static conditions, the californium column separation was effected. The separation factor under dynamic conditions was over 102. Additional californium purification requires thermal vacuum sublimation of oxides in the range from 1300 to 2400 deg C. It has been found that at 1400-1500 deg C the sublimation of californium oxides, is largely observed, whilst curium requires a temperature over 1700 deg C. The total purification factor of californium from curium as a result of the processes of ion exchange and thermal sublimation is over 104. Precision sources have been made according to the methods under consideration