Separation of Sr(II) from Eu(III) across a supported liquid membrane using TEHDGA and 18-crown-6

This paper reports the result of process development studies on separation of Sr(II) from Eu(III) in 4 M nitric acid using supported liquid membrane (SLM). The process utilizes addition of 18-crown-6 for masking of Sr(II), followed by their transport across SLM with TEHDGA as carrier molecule. The optimized process shows complete transport of Eu(III) in about 60 min, leaving pure Sr(II) in the feed compartment. The Sr(II) and Eu(III), both in pure form are valuable in medical and industrial radiation technology applications.