Transport Behavior Of Actinides And Lanthanides Across A Supported Liquid Membrane Using An Unexplored Monoamide, N,N '-Bis(2-Ethyl Hexyl) Alpha-Hydroxy Acetamide (Behga)

An unexplored novel monoamide N,N'-bis(2-ethyl hexyl) a-hydroxy acetamide (BEHGA) was used as a carrier for transport of Am(III), Eu(III), Pu(IV/VI) and U(VI) from HNO3 medium across a supported liquid membrane (SLM). Various parameters were investigated to obtain the optimum transport conditions. Transport rates followed the trend Pu(IV) > Am(III) >= Eu(III) > U(VI) > Pu(VI). The effects of macro concentrations of U(VI) and Nd(III) on the transport rate of Am(III) were studied. The diffusion coefficient value for the Am(III)-BEHGA system in HNO3 medium was found to be similar to 1.8 x 10(-6) cm(2)/s. The standard deviation of the results obtained from transport experiments by this extractant was found to be +/- 5 %. The membrane was found to be highly selective for actinides and lanthanides with respect to different fission products.