Equilibrium distribution of lanthanum, neodymium, and thorium between lithium chloride melt and liquid bismuth
Abstract
The distribution of lanthanum, neodymium, and thorium between a lithium chloride melt and liquid bismuth with additions of lithium as a reducing agent are investigated at 650°C. Equilibrium values of their distribution constants are measured. It is shown that in contrast to neodymium and lanthanum, thorium cannot be extracted from bismuth into lithium chloride. This allows us to propose an efficient scheme for separating lanthanides and thorium in a system for the extraction of fuel salts in molten-salt nuclear reactors.
- Publication:
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Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry A
- Pub Date:
- April 2013
- DOI:
- 10.1134/S0036024413040316
- Bibcode:
- 2013RJPCA..87..541Z
- Keywords:
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- lanthanides and thorium;
- their distribution between lithium chloride melt and liquid bismuth;
- salt extraction processing