Sequential separation of actinides by ion chromatography coupled with on-line scintillation detection.

The separation and measurement of actinides by ion chromatography (IC) coupled with on-line scintillation detection was investigated. Separation of (237)Np, (239)Pu, (241)Am, (244)Cm, (230)Th, and (233)U was accomplished using a Dionex CG5 guard column, CS5 separation column, and an elution program utilizing oxalic, diglycolic, and nitric acid eluents. Np(V) was eluted as a weak anionic oxalate complex or as free NpO(2)(+) cation, Am(III) and Cm(III) as anionic oxalate complexes, Pu(IV) and Th(IV) as nonionic diglycolate complexes, and U(VI) as a free uranyl cation. Response of the flow-cell detector was linear over the full range of activities tested (4-1500 Bq). The minimum detectable activities for the investigated analytes ranged from 3.6 Bq for (244)Cm to 5.4 Bq for (230)Th and (239)Pu. The corresponding minimum detectable concentrations based on a 1-L sample ranged from 3.6 to 5.4 KBq m(-3) (96 to 150 pCi L(-1)).