A highly efficient redox stabilization strategy for Am-Cm separation using AgBiO.

AgBiO is reported for the exclusive oxidation of Am → AmO at near-neutral pH conditions. Literature methods of AmO generation are generally two-step processes; , Am → AmO oxidation followed by AmO → AmO reduction. These methods for Am → AmO oxidation use high temperatures (80-100 °C) and/or several reagents, causing the presence of the AmO-complex rather than the AmO ions. This not only interferes with the much-needed Am-Cm selectivity but also limits the use of AmO in any other experimental study. The single-step Am → AmO oxidation in the present work using AgBiO is done at 25 °C in a non-complexing medium at pH ∼4, making it a first-of-its-kind report. Am-Eu and Am-Cm separation in a single contact, with a separation factor >10, was achieved using the present method, which is unprecedented among aqueous feed solutions. The AmO generated using the present method under non-complexing pH conditions makes it also suitable for exploring the fundamental chemistry of the higher valent americyl ion. A complexation study using the thus-generated AmO ion with acetate ion supports the concept.