Separation of f-elements by resins impregnated with amides of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid

Chemistries of trivalent lanthanides and actinides under aqueous processing conditions are so similar that their satisfying separation is extremely challenging. Preparation of a functionalized solid material by impregnation of a support resin with an organic extraction phase is one of possible routes for novel materials development. The ortho- and para-dialkyl-diaryl-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyamides were impregnated into two macroporous matrices (PS-DVB and PMA). Influence of the diamide structure, matrix type and conditions for effective extraction chromatography separation of Am(III) from Eu(III) was studied in dynamic conditions. The prepared sorbents exhibited more strong adsorptions of Am(III) to compare with Eu(III). Maximal separation factor (~ 90) was achieved with use of citrate ion as complexing eluent.