Separation of americium from complex radioactive mixtures using a BTPhen extraction chromatography resin

Extraction chromatography (EC) resins are widely used in analytical radiochemical separations, in particular for actinide separation. However, there is currently limited choice for separation of americium using EC, with DGA (N,N,N′,N′-tetra-n-octyldiglycolamide) resin being the preferred option. Here, we describe preparation and testing of a covalently-linked EC resin utilising a triazine soft N-donor (Me4BTPhen) extractant for americium extraction. The resin was generated by conjugation of a Me4BTPhen derivative with poly(vinylbenzyl) chloride to generate PVB–Me4BTPhen. PVB–Me4BTPhen was shown to extract americium from a complex matrix simulating nuclear forensic samples, and containing lanthanides, actinides and matrix elements with high Am (III) recovery (>90%) and low extraction of other elements, and provides an alternative to the currently used BTPhen liquid–liquid separation process for Am (III) extraction.