Characterization and Optimization of Extraction Chromatography Resins for Rapid Separations for Safeguard and Nuclear Forensics Purposes

In this work, extraction chromatography resins, DGA and UTEVA, were characterized under various conditions in order to identify novel rapid separations for safeguards and nuclear forensic purposes. For safeguards purposes, mixed matrices containing some of the largest components found in used fuel and either Am, Pu, or U were characterized on DGA and UTEVA resins in order to determine any effects from the addition of these constituents. Results indicated that 5 M HNO3 would be an optimal loading condition due to the consistent actinide adsorption in the presence of the additional used fuel components. Investigations of varying the anion in the system were also performed. Trends were seen based on charge density and hydration energies. The trends of actinide adsorption in various reducing agents were studied. A novel separation scheme was determined and applied to a vacuum box.For nuclear forensic based separations, DGA and UTEVA were characterized with some of the most common metals found in soil. Overall, the resins were still selective with samples of complex matrices. A separation of a glass/cement bead was performed and separation of some of the analytes was achieved.