An(III)/Ln(III) Separations Using N-Donor Ligands

The separation of trivalent actinides, An(IlI), from lanthanides, Ln(III) is a challenging task, involving fascinating chemistry. At INE, related studies have been performed starting in the early 1990’s. The application of alkylated bis-triazinyl-paridines (BTP) by Zdfenek Kolarik in 1999 certainly was a breakthrough. Since then, several consecutive EURATOM research programmes have been dedicated to the development of improved An(III)/Ln(III) separations. Obviously, those more applied studies have always been accompanied by fundamental investigations on the interactions of N-donor ligands with An(III) and Ln(III). In this context, BTPs and similar compounds are still our favourite guinea pigs.
This presentation points out some of the highlights regarding the progress made and insights gained over the last three decades regarding the fascinating topic of An(III)/Ln(III) separations using N-donor ligands.