Separation and preconcentration of actinides by a water soluble oxine polymer using membrane filtration

A method for the separation and preconcentration of actinide elements in liquid-phase using a water-soluble polymer with oxine groups was developed. The optimum conditions of separation in conjunction with membrane filtration were investigated and discussed. It was shown that an aqueous solution of a poly-(ethyleneimine) derivative with 8-hydroxy quinoline groups is suitable for the process proposed, whereas the basis polymer itself was not capable to separate actinides. A retention of 99% was attained for U(VI), Pu(IV), and trivalent transplutonium elements when using a 2% solution of the polymer reagent at a pH range between 5 and 7. Stripping off the TPE elements from the polymer and their separation from TU was achieved by using and aqueous solution with pH 2. The analytical application of the method is discussed. (orig.)