Extraction of rare earth elements by primary high molecular weight amines from hydrochloric acid solutions

Abstract

Extraction of trivalent lanthanides: La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Tb, Tm, Yb by primary high molecular weight amines from 0.5–3M hydrochloric acid solutions, containing complex-forming agent potassium phosphotungstate /K10P2W17O61/ has been investigated. The effect of hydrochloric acid, potassium phosphotungstate and amine concentration, the length of primary amine alkyl chain, organic solvents nature and elements ionic radii on distribution coefficients have been studied. It has been established that the system can be used for group isolation and separation of rare earth elements.