Adsorption and separation behavior of strontium and yttrium using a silica-based bis(2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphate adsorbent

(HDEHP + Hexa)/SiO2-P, a silica-based adsorbent, was prepared and used to separate Y(III) from a mixed solution of Sr(II) and Y(III). The adsorption behavior of the adsorbent was investigated using batch tests. The adsorbent exhibited high adsorption performance for Y(III) in low nitric acid concentrations and weak adsorption performance for Y(III) at higher concentrations. In contrast, Sr(II) was not adsorbed in either acid concentration range. The same tendency was observed under hydrochloric acid conditions. Y(III) separation from a mixed solution of Sr(II) and Y(III) was verified by a column test. Overall, the (HDEHP + Hexa)/SiO2-P adsorbent can separate Y(III) from Sr(II).