Gas–solid chromatographic separation of hydrogen isotopes: a comparison between two palladium bearing materials – alumina and kieselguhr

The separation of hydrogen isotopes (H, D, T) is performed by displacement gas chromatography on palladium. A large isotopic effect is associated with the reversible adsorption of hydrogen by palladium. Two Pd support materials have been compared: alpha-alumina and kieselguhr. The study includes a physicochemical characterization and a set of functional tests. The Van Deemter model gives a fairly good analysis of the process but to get more information, thermoregulated separations are needed. For both supports, palladium is impregnated as small dispersed particles in the 0.1 to 0.3 μm range diameter. For the same palladium loading, alumina is more efficient than kieselguhr.