Efficient separation of uranium and lanthanides based on high-performance ion exchange chromatography

This study presents an efficient method for the sequential separation of lanthanides and uranium using a high-performance ion exchange chromatographic column. The used SCX column provides both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions for the retention and separation of lanthanides and uranyl. Dual gradient elution (pH and α-hydroxyisobutyric acid concentration) enables continuous elution of uranyl before and after the elution of all the lanthanides. The proposed single-column separation protocol was validated by the effective separation of simulated spent nuclear fuel, which can be used to measure burn-up rates.