Enrichment of Stable Isotopes, (III) Enrichment of⁶Li and⁷Li by Ion Exchange Column

Abstract

Abstract In search of a suitable ion exchange method for the enrichment of Li-isotopes, column elutions of Li-band have been examined under various conditions. For long distance displacement of the Li-band, BaAc2 and CaAc2 were found excellent for eluant, and the Li proved to be very well retained by hydrogen bed with Dowex 50 W-X 12, 50~100 mesh. From the standpoint of resin utilization and regenerant efficiency in cyclic column operation, CaAc2 is preferable to BaAc2. Enrichment experiments were carried out with Li-isotopes, using the above exchange systems, which proved that 7Li and 6Li were well concentrated in the respective ends of the Li-adsorption band. In one run, the 7Li and 6Li were enriched to 97.09 and 14.64% respectively in the front and rear edges of the band.