Radiation effects on the extraction of americium(III) with di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid

Abstract

Radiation effects on the extraction of Am(III) with di (2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (DEHPA) was studied by exposing DEHPA to gamma rays under various conditions. Gamma irradiation of undiluted DEHPA causes an enhancement of extraction of Am(III) due to the formation of mono (2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (MEHPA) similarly to that of Nd(III). The presence of diluent during irradiation brought about a slight difference from the results in the absence of a diluent. The marked change occurred in Df when the organic solvent was exposed to γ-ray while being mixed with nitric acid solution. An initial slight increase of Df for Am(III) and Nd(III) was followed by a subsequent decrease beyond an absorbed dose of approximately 200 Wh·1⁻¹. This phenomenon was explained by the enhanced decomposition of DEHPA and the subsequent strong hydrolytic and radiolytic decomposition of MEHPA to H₃PO₄ in the aqueous phase, and the complex forming nature of H₃PO₄ with Am(III) and Nd(III).