Ozonolysis of selenium: an alternative oxidation method for radiochemical separations of arsenic and selenium
摘要
Many arsenic and selenium radiochemical separation methods use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to oxidize selenite (Se(IV)) to selenate (Se(VI)), but this reaction is challenging to control and replicate. This study introduces a simple ozonolysis apparatus with an in-line oxygen-ozone generator and impinger system for rapid selenium oxidation in aqueous samples as an alternative to H2O2. The system quickly converts Se(IV) to Se(VI), enabling successful separations of arsenic-73 and selenium-75 with high recoveries using ion-exchange chromatography (1-X8). Compared to traditional H2O2 treatment, ozone oxidation is a faster and more easily controlled method for selenium redox chemistry.