NSTD Research Projects: TRP
TRP -> Campaign/Number -> TRP 38
TRP 38. f-Element Electrochemistry in RTIL Solutions: Electrochemical Separation of Lanthanides and Actinides
January 2008 - Current
Research Objectives & Methods
The objective of this project is to use electrochemical techniques to develop a thermodynamic understanding of actinide and lanthanide species in room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) solution, and to use this data to effectively separate species with very similar chemical properties. In consultation with a DOE collaborator, electrochemical methods and materials will be evaluated and used to exploit the thermodynamic differences between similar chemical species enhancing the ability to selectively target and sequester individual species from mixtures. This project is in its first year and has successfully completed phase 1. This research allows for expansion into phases 2 and 3 for the next year.
- Prepare and characterize RTIL solutions. Examine the electrochemical window and evaluate the electrochemical properties of lanthanide and actinide species in the non-aqueous ionic environment.
- Examine the solubility and complex formation of Lanthanide and Actinide species.
- Examine extraction properties of NTf2- ion complexes into RTIL solutions with common ions.
- Electrodeposition of Lanthanide and Actinide species from RTIL.
Researchers
- David Hatchett, Chemistry
- Ken Czerwinski, Radiochemistry
- Asanga Ranasinghe, Chemistry
Collaborators
- David Costa, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Students
- Wendy Pemberton, PhD, Radiochemistry