Enrichment of ⁶Li using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction as a highly efficient technique

Highlights: • Isotopic separation of lithium by system H₂O/C₂Cl₄/C₃H₆O is investigated using benzo-15-crown-5. • The maximum isotope enrichment factor ε_max for ⁶Li/⁷Li obtained in the present study was 0.081 ± 0.0021. • ⁶Li was concentrated in the receiving phase, whereas in most of cases, ⁷Li was enriched in the source phase. - Abstract: Isotope separation of lithium by the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction system H₂O/C₂Cl₄/C₃H₆O is investigated using benzo-15-crown-5 for finding an efficient way for the enrichment of ⁶Li. Samples collected in the best and worst conditions were used for the isotopic analysis by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. The maximum isotope enrichment factor ε_max for ⁶Li/⁷Li obtained in the present study was 0.082 ± 0.0021. As a result, the lighter isotope, ⁶Li, was concentrated in the receiving phase, whereas in most of cases the heavier isotope, ⁷Li, was enriched in the source phase