Micelle mediated extraction of americium and europium by calix[4]arene phosphine oxides from nitric acid media

Eu-152 and Am-241 recovery from HNO3 by conventional and micelle mediated extraction are studied. It is stated that radionuclides distribution ratios D (K (D)) in micelle mediated extraction are significantly higher than those of conventional extraction, with Am-241 is slightly less extracted than Eu-152. Distribution ratios dependence on medium acidity is similar for both processes, with extraction maximum at C (HNO3) = 0.2-1 mol L-1. Microscopic research and dynamic light scattering prove micellar nature of calixarene solutions. Nano-scale of particles, which accumulate radionuclides, is confirmed by ultramicrofiltration. This method is also applied for studies of radionuclides re-extraction and electrochemical deposition.