Magnesium isotope separation by ion exchange using hydrous manganese(IV) oxide.

Abstract The magnesium isotope effects were investigated by chemical ion exchange with a hydrous manganese(IV) oxide. The capacity of manganese(IV) oxide was 0.5 meq g −1 . The distribution coefficient of magnesium ions on the MnO 2 was determined by a batch method. The heavier isotopes of magnesium were enriched in the solution phase, while the lighter isotopes were enriched in the hydrous MnO 2 phase. The separation factor was determined according to the method of Glueckauf from the elution curve and isotopic assays. The separation factors of 24 Mg 2+ – 25 Mg 2+ , 24 Mg 2+ – 26 Mg 2+ , and 25 Mg 2+ – 26 Mg 2+ isotope pair fractionations were 1.011, 1.021, and 1.011, respectively.