We have applied the results of our electrochemical lanthanide and actinide studies to solve element separation problems.

The electrolysis of lanthanides and actinides in complexing solutions (citrates or acetates) shows that the reduction process with a mercury cathode at constant reduction potential E is a first order reaction. A half time τ of the reaction has been defined and the variations of logτ vs. E were studied. logτ varies linearly vs. E in a large potential domain (Figure 2.1.1.). Actinides and lanthanides are transferred to the mercury phase which allows, by distillation of mercury, to prepare metals or mixed alloys (ref. 1.5.17). By the way, no hydrolyzed compounds are found at the mercury/solution interface, and the interpretation of the electrochemical data have been established (ref. 1.5.11, 1.2.13.).

According to these data, several element separations have been proposed (2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3.).

           

Figure 2.1.1