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PROCESS FOR SEPARATING PLUTONIUM FROM IMPURITIES

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4333632
A method is described for separating plutonium from aqueous solutions containing uranium. It has been found that if the plutonium is reduced to its 3+ valence state, and the uranium present is left in its higher valence state, then the differences in solubility between certain salts (e.g., oxalates) of the trivalent plutonium and the hexavalent uranium can be used to separate the metals. This selective reduction of plutonium is accomplished by adding iodide ion to the solution, since iodide possesses an oxidation potential sufficient to reduce plutonium but not sufficient to reduce uranium.
Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-12-006982
Assignee:
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Patent Number(s):
US 2813004
OSTI ID:
4333632
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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