Thermodynamic systematics of the formation of liquid alloys of f-elements with bismuth

Abstract In order to strengthen the comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of extraction of f-elements in a pyrometallurgical liquid–liquid extraction system, excess thermodynamic quantities of lanthanide and actinide in liquid bismuth are discussed. Excess enthalpy changes of some lanthanides and actinides in liquid bismuth were experimentally determined or estimated, and their systematic variation along the lanthanide and actinide series is examined by using a semi-empirical calculation method. Characteristic features of the thermodynamic stabilities of lanthanides and actinides in liquid bismuth are discussed.