Extraction of Eu(III) and Co(II) by dihexyl N,N-diethyl carbamoyl methyl phosphonate (DHDECMP) and thenoyl trifluoroacetone (HTTA)

Solvent extraction has shown great enhancement in separation of different metal ions from radioactive wastes. Cobalt is a corrosive element in the backcycle of nuclear fuel treatment and represents the 2nd series of the transition elements, while Eu represents lanthanide elements. The extraction of Eu(III) has been carried out from nitrate solution using DHDECMP. Different parameters affecting the distribution of metal ion have been studied. The distribution of Eu(III) was found to be first order dependent on pH and second order with respect to [DHDECMP]. DHDECMP showed high stability towards gamma -radiation dose up to 26.5 megarad. The extraction of Co(II) by either DHDECMP or HTTA from acetate solution showed that it is second order dependent on both the extractant concentration and the pH. Based on the data of the distribution ratio obtained and the calculated thermodynamic parameters; reaction mechanisms are suggested.