Effective Am(III)/Eu(III) separations using 2,6-bis(1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)pyridine (BTP) functionalised titania particles and hierarchically porous beads

Hybrid materials which selectively extract Am(III) over Eu(III) from 0.01 M nitric acid solutions with fast kinetics and separation factors up to 160 have been synthesised. The materials consist of titania functionalised with a modified organic 2,6-bis(1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)pyridine (BTP) derivative. Both particles and hierarchically porous beads have been prepared and provide advantages over conventional solvent extraction separations.