Separation of hydrogen isotopes by selective adsorption with production of high‐purity D–T and T2

Selective adsorption on a solid at 20 K provides the means to separate hydrogen isotopes, and particularly to purify small quantities of molecular D–T or produce pure J=1 T2 for nuclear spin polarization. We develop adsorption isotherms and separation factors for several solids from literature data. Our computational model of adsorption column operation, developed to determine column sensitivity to key parameters, is described. Model results show that column diameter and length, particle diameter, choice of solid, and the fractional void space of the packed solid are all key parameters in determination of total purification capacity of a column. Zeolite 13X is shown to be the optimal adsorbent. Column design and operation is discussed in context of the calculational results. We present experimental data that demonstrate successful operation of an adsorption column in purification of D–T gas by removal of T2, and discuss advantages of this technique over conventional separation means.