Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science
I’m conducting research on the “solution chemistry of heavy actinides” in a radiochemistry lab.
Lanthanides (Ln, 57La–71Lu) and actinides (An, 89Ac–103Lr) are positioned in the f-block of the periodic table. Previous studies have shown that Ln³⁺ and An3+ exhibit differences in their chemical properties, such as complexation behavior. However, for the heavier actinides beyond berkelium (Bk, Z=97), experimental studies remain highly limited due to their intense radioactivity and other constraints, and their detailed properties are still not well understood.
In this study, I apply solvent extraction experiments using diamide-based extractants that I have synthesized to heavy An. By comparing their extraction behavior with that of Ln, I aim to elucidate the differences in the chemical properties of Ln and An. I expect to identify properties that are unique to the heavy actinides through such comparisons.
Moreover, both Ln and An include elements of great importance in the fields of nuclear energy and nuclear medicine. Clarifying their chemical properties is therefore significant not only from a scientific perspective but also from an industrial standpoint. Through this research, I aim to advance the chemistry of f-block elements.