Lanthanum, neodymium and samarium extraction from aqueous nitrate solutions by solvent extraction

Abstract EN

Solvent extraction of La3+, Nd3+ and Sm3+ has been investigated with bis(2,4,4-trimethyl-pentyl) monothiophosphinic acid, commonly known as Cyanex 302, in kerosene from aqueous nitrate medium.

Parameters affecting the extraction equilibrium of La3+, Nd3+ and Sm3+ from aqueous naitrate medium were studied and the stoichiometry of the La3+, Nd3+ and Sm3+ extracted species was elucidated.

The separation of La3+, Nd3+ and Sm3+ depending on the difference in the extraction behavior of the extractant towards these metal ions is given and discussed.