From separation to photothermal conversion: selective crystallization of thorium from lanthanides

Here, we report a selective crystallization strategy to efficiently separate Th(IV) from Ln(III), yielding a new Th-oxo cluster (Th-pca). REEs such as Eu(III) and Yb(III) remain in solution, affording separation factors of 203 935 (Th/Eu) and 111 229 (Th/Yb), respectively. Th-pca also displays photothermal properties, making it a rare actinide-based material with this functionality.