Thorium adsorption behaviour on mixed ammonium lanthanum oxalate, LAOX

The cation-exchange properties of mixed ammonium lanthanum oxalate, LAOX, were studied by batch equilibration as a function of the concentration of some cations, such as alkaline earths or ammonium and of some anions and acids. The distribution coefficients for thorium are high, while U(VI) is not adsorbed over a large acidity range. Thus, the separation of thorium from uranium may be successfully carried out. The experimental conditions of adsorption, elution and recovery of thorium were investigated as well, by using chromatographic columns filled with LAOX, in order to set best the separation conditions from uranyl ions. Instrumental neutron activation analysis, ICP emission spectrometry and the UV spectrometry were used to evaluate the thorium, uranium and lanthanum concentrations.