Unique selectivity reversal in Am 3+ –Eu 3+ extraction in a tripodal TREN-based diglycolamide in ionic liquid: extraction, luminescence, complexation and structural studies

An N-pivot diglycolamide extractant (DGA-TREN) was synthesized for the first time and its complexation behaviour was studied towards trivalent lanthanide/actinide ions. The solvent extraction studies suggested a unique selectivity reversal in the extraction of trivalent actinides versus trivalent lanthanides which was observed performing extraction studies in an ionic liquid vis-à-vis a molecular diluent for a tripodal TREN-based diglycolamide ligand (DGA-TREN) vs. a tripodal diglycolamide ligand (T-DGA) which may have great significance in radioactive waste remediation. The nature of the bonding to Eu(3+) ion was investigated by EXAFS as well as by DFT calculations.