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Lithium isotope separation factors of some two-phase equilibrium systems

Journal Article · · J. Chem. Phys., v. 64, no. 4, pp. 1828-1837
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.432361· OSTI ID:4050328

Isotope separation factors of seventeen two-phase equilibrium systems for lithium isotope enrichment have been determined. In all cases, lithium amalgam was used as one of the lithium-containing phases and was equilibrated with an aqueous or organic phase containing a lithium compound. In all systems examined, isotopic exchange was found to be extremely rapid, and $sup 6$Li was concentrated in the amalgam phase. The isotopic separation factor for the LiOH(aqueous) vs Li(amalgam) system has been studied as a function of temperature from -2 to 80 degreeC. The values obtained have been compared with the ''electrolysis'' and exchange separation factors given in the literature. The two-phase systems, LiCl(ethylenediamine) vs Li(amalgam) and LiCl(propylenediamine) vs Li(amalgam), have been studied, and the isotopic separation factors have been determined as functions of the temperature. The factors for the two systems have been found to be substantially the same (within limits of the errors involved) over the temperature range studied (0 to 100 degreeC) as those for the aqueous system. The isotopic separation factors for the seventeen systems have been tabulated, and correlations have been drawn that show the salt and solvent effects upon the values obtained. (AIP)

Research Organization:
Chemistry Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-33-025439
OSTI ID:
4050328
Journal Information:
J. Chem. Phys., v. 64, no. 4, pp. 1828-1837, Journal Name: J. Chem. Phys., v. 64, no. 4, pp. 1828-1837; ISSN JCPSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English