Extraction behavior of americium (III) in benzoylpyrazolone dissolved in pyrrolidinium based ionic liquid

Extraction of Am(III) from nitric acid medium was carried out in a solution of benzoylpyrazolone (HPMBP) dissolved in 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoro-methanesulfonyl)imide ([C4mpyr][NTf2]) ionic liquid. The extraction behavior of Am(III) in ionic liquid phase was investigated as a function of various parameters, such as pH of aqueous phase, duration of equilibration, and concentration of ionic liquid and nitrate in aqueous phase. Appreciable extraction was obtained at low pH medium (< pH 2) unlike other diketone based extractant. Extraction of Am(III) in ionic liquid was compared with that observed in a molecular diluent, n-dodecane (n-DD) under similar experimental condition. Remarkably high distribution ratio was observed in IL medium as compared to n-DD medium. The slope analysis of the extraction data was carried out to evaluate the mechanistic aspects of extraction. Extraction mechanism was different from conventional molecular diluent. Recovery of americium from the loaded ionic liquid phase was also studied using nitric acid.