IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO THE SEPARATION OF THE ISOTOPES OF LITHIUM
A process for the separation of the isotopes of lithium by chemical exchange between lithium amalgam and an organic solution of a lithium chloride or bromide is described. Lithium amalgam produced by an electrolysis cell with a mercury cathode is brought into intimate contact with the organic solution containing the lithium salt in a countercurrent contact apparatus. Then the lithium amalgam leaving the contact apparatus is treated with an aqueous solution of the acid corresponding to the lithium salt. The mercury freed from the lithium amalgam treatment is passed back to the electrolysis cell. The lithium salt formed simultaneously by the same treatment is evaporated and dissolved in either dimethyl formamide or tetrahydrofuran. This organic solution is also a part of the feed. The organic solution is distilled as it leaves the contact apparatus. The distilled organic solvent is condensed and collected. The solid lithium salts obtained so far are dissolved in water and are passed to the electrolysis cell. Li/sup 6/ may be extracted between the exit of the lithium amalgam from the contact apparatus and the input of the organic solution into the contact apparatus. Li/sup 7/ is extracted between the exit of the organic solution from the contact apparatus and the input of the lithium amalgam into the contact apparatus. (N.W.R.)
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-023821
- OSTI ID:
- 4032213
- Report Number(s):
- GB 872343
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
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