Separation of U(VI) and Th(IV) from Nd(III) by Cross-Current Solvent Extraction Mode Using Tri-iso-amyl Phosphate as the Extractant

Abstract

Separation of U(VI) and Th(IV) from Nd(III) in nitric acid media with solutions of tri-iso-amyl phosphate (TiAP) in n-dodecane has been studied by batch extraction in cross-current mode to evaluate the feasibility of employing TiAP as an alternate extractant to tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) for monazite ore processing. The interference of U(VI), Th(IV), and Nd(III) in the presence of each other during their analyses by titrations has also been validated in the present study. The extraction studies substantiate that the high solvent loading conditions can be achieved without organic phase splitting in the extraction from concentrated feed solutions with TiAP based solvents, whereas TBP forms third phase under such conditions. The separation factor for Th(IV) with respect to Nd(III) can be improved with TiAP as the extractant and by carrying out the extraction with feed solution in 8 M HNO3. Solvent extraction studies conducted with solutions of U(VI), Th(IV), and Nd(III) in nitric acid media by TBP and TiAP revealed the identical extraction, scrubbing, and stripping behavior of both the extractants with respect to U(VI), Th(IV), and Nd(III). The results insinuate that TiAP can be used as an alternate extractant to TBP for the separation of U(VI) and Th(IV) from monazite ores. The data generated in the present study can be exploited for the development of flow sheets using TiAP based solvents to separate U(VI) and Th(IV) from rare earths for the processing of monazite leach solutions.