Separative Analyses of a Chromatographic Column Packed with a Core-Shell Adsorbent for Lithium Isotope Separation

A core-shell type adsorbent was proposed for lithium isotope separation by chromatography. Concentration profiles and its time variation in the column were numerically simulated. It became clear that core-shell type adsorbents with thin porous shell were saturated rapidly relative to fully porous one and established a sharp edge of adsorption band. This is very important feature because lithium isotope separation requires long-distance development of adsorption band. The values of HETP for core-shell adsorbent packed column were estimated by statistical moments of the step response curve. The value of HETP decreased with the thickness of the porous shell. A core-shell type adsorbent is, then, useful for lithium isotope separation.