Separation of isotopes by gas and ion exchange chromatography

Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell., U.S.A..

Abstract

The present position of isotope separation by chromatographic methods has been reviewed.

The mechanics of column operation, i.e. the influence of theoretical plate height and number, of the separation factor and of the operational conditions such as maintenance of sharp and diffuse fronts respectively, has been discussed.

From an application point of view one can differentiate between the three cases : (a) Gas chromatographic separations of hydrogen isotopes : these giving large separation factors can easily be achieved, both for analytical and preparative uses. (6) Ion exchange separations involving weak-acid or weak-base dissociations in the solution phase. Here the solution equilibrium is the separating process and the ion exchanger acts merely as an adsorbing agent for the ionic species. Separations on a laboratory scale are feasible. (c) Pure ion-exchanger separations : here the separation factors are too small to give separations which are of more than scientific interest.