Separation of heavy rare earths by reversed-phase partition chromatography

Abstract

Reversed-phase partition chromatography with tributyl phosphate as the stationary phase was applied to the separation of heavy rare earths from Gd to Lu. As eluting agent 11.5 M, 12.3 M and 13.0 M HNO 3 were used. The heaviest rare earths can also be separated with HCl as eluting agent. The influence of the amount of the rare earth introduced into the column on the shape of the elution curve was investigated.