Characterization of Group 5 dubnium homologs on diglycolamide extraction chromatography resins from nitric and hydrofluoric acid matrices

A diglycolamide-based resin was characterized for Group 5 (Ta, Nb and pseudo-homolog Pa) separation from Group 4 (Hf and Zr) and tri-valent actinides (Am). The batch uptake of the radionuclides of interest were determined for HNO 3 /HF matrices and the results were used to develop a column separation method that could be used for element 105 (Db) purification chemistry. Tantalum is significantly retained by the TODGA resin, while Pa/Nb show little to no retention. The affinity for Ta decreases as a function of increased [HNO 3 ], while Zr/Hf (and Am) affinities increase under the same conditions. Adsorption of Ta to polypropylene vials and column frits became a significant focus of this work following several observations made during the course of the column separation method development. All of the Group 5 elements were separated from Group 4 and Am while Ta may be completely isolated from Nb/Pa with the TODGA resin with improvements in column parameters: column height and bed volume.