A process is for oxidizing americium(III) to americium(VI) includes providing a aqueous acidic composition comprising americium(III) and a mineral acid and exposing the composition to ozone and silver ion under conditions suitable for oxidation of the americium(III) to americium(VI). Nitric, acid is a suitable mineral acid for the process. Extraction of the americium from the silver is possible using organic phosphonate extractant.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL RIGHTS
[0002] This invention was made with government support under Contract No. DE-AC52-06NA25396 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The government has certain rights to in the invention.