Design of experiments as tools to tailor impregnated polymers specific for radionuclides separation in microsystems

An experimental design is described for optimization of the microscopic morphology of a methacrylate monolith that was elaborated for chromatographic separation of radionuclides in nitric acid media. This paper presents a systematic study of the synthesis of the polymeric porous monolith poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate-co-allyl methacrylate) used as solid-phase support and a post-functionalization of the monolith in microsystem with tributyl phosphate extractant. Polymerization time and chemical composition of the polymerizable mixture that comprises water, 1,4-butanediol, 1-propanol, monomers were chosen as the most relevant experimental factors of the photochemical process. Using the globules area as a significant response of an experimental design, the monolith morphology can be predicted. A new versatile and robust impregnation process was developed in microsystem. The designed micro chromatographic system showed a good resistance in concentrated nitric acid and a great loading capacity compared to commercially available solution (150 mg U versus 75 mgU/g resin).