Public Abstract

DE-SC0025814: Expanding the Potential for Chemical Separations with Carbon Supports

Award Status: Active

Institution: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA
UEI: LTNVSTJ3R6D5
DUNS: 956072490

Most Recent Award Date: 01/29/2026
Number of Support Periods: 2
PM: Ademiluyi, Adewonuola

Current Budget Period: 01/01/2026 - 12/31/2026
Current Project Period: 01/01/2025 - 12/31/2027
PI: Bertelsen, Erin

Supplement Budget Period: N/A

Public Abstract

*Expanding the Potential* for Chemical Separations with Carbon Supports** Erin R. Bertelsen,¹ Assistant Professor Co-PIs: Jisue Braatz,² Luke Sadergaski,² Kristian Myhre² 1: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854 2: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 A key focus of this research is the separation of ¹⁵³Sm, a beta-emitter used in nuclear medicine. Its production through the neutron-irradiation of ¹⁵²Sm requires the removal of the long-lived ¹⁵⁴Eu impurity from the final product. Achieving complete separation of these adjacent lanthanides often involves the reduction of Eu³⁺ to Eu²⁺ using a chemical reductant prior to the separation step. This challenging separation underscores the need for innovative approaches in extraction chromatography. This research will replace conventional non-conductive resin supports with conductive frameworks that incorporate redox functionality and controlled architectures for enhanced chemical separations. This research will expand the capabilities at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) to transform the field of extraction chromatography by leveraging the morphology and electrical conductivity of carbon materials. The objectives are twofold: (1) to build radiochemical separation research capacity at UML, relevant to the U.S. Department of Energy Isotope R&D and Production (DOE IP) missions through collaboration with the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and investments in analytical equipment; and (2) to develop and apply conductive carbon-based supports with increasingly organized structures to extraction chromatography, adding the functionality of deliberately controlled electrode potentials. By establishing UML, a Minority Serving Institute (MSI), as a leader in radiochemical separations, particularly relevant to the DOE IP mission, this research paves the way for future innovations in isotope research, development, and production. The collaborative efforts with ORNL not only enhance scientific capabilities but also strengthen university-national lab partnerships, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange and collaboration. Additionally, the training and mentorship provided to graduate and undergraduate students will help build a skilled workforce for radiochemistry and related fields. Ultimately, the outcomes of this research have the potential to improve nuclear medicine, environmental stewardship, and national security through more efficient and selective radiochemical separations.

Expanding the Potential for Chemical Separations with Carbon Supports

Erin R. Bertelsen,¹ Assistant Professor

Co-PIs: Jisue Braatz,² Luke Sadergaski,² Kristian Myhre²

1: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854

2: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830

A key focus of this research is the separation of ¹⁵³Sm, a beta-emitter used in nuclear medicine. Its production through the neutron-irradiation of ¹⁵²Sm requires the removal of the long-lived ¹⁵⁴Eu impurity from the final product. Achieving complete separation of these adjacent lanthanides often involves the reduction of Eu³⁺ to Eu²⁺ using a chemical reductant prior to the separation step. This challenging separation underscores the need for innovative approaches in extraction chromatography. This research will replace conventional non-conductive resin supports with conductive frameworks that incorporate redox functionality and controlled architectures for enhanced chemical separations. This research will expand the capabilities at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) to transform the field of extraction chromatography by leveraging the morphology and electrical conductivity of carbon materials. The objectives are twofold: (1) to build radiochemical separation research capacity at UML, relevant to the U.S. Department of Energy Isotope R&D and Production (DOE IP) missions through collaboration with the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and investments in analytical equipment; and (2) to develop and apply conductive carbon-based supports with increasingly organized structures to extraction chromatography, adding the functionality of deliberately controlled electrode potentials. By establishing UML, a Minority Serving Institute (MSI), as a leader in radiochemical separations, particularly relevant to the DOE IP mission, this research paves the way for future innovations in isotope research, development, and production. The collaborative efforts with ORNL not only enhance scientific capabilities but also strengthen university-national lab partnerships, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange and collaboration. Additionally, the training and mentorship provided to graduate and undergraduate students will help build a skilled workforce for radiochemistry and related fields. Ultimately, the outcomes of this research have the potential to improve nuclear medicine, environmental stewardship, and national security through more efficient and selective radiochemical separations.