Separation of Y(III) complexes from Dy(III), Ho(III) and Er(III) complexes with iminodiacetic acid on the anion-exchangers type 1 and type 2

Abstract

The affinity series of rare earth elements complexes with iminodiacetic acid (IMDA) [Ln(III):IMDA=1:2] and with N-hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) [Ln(III):HEDTA=1:1] for the anion-exchanger Dowex 1 were determined. These series are atypical. Taking into account the position of Y(III), Dy(III), Ho(III) and Er(III) in the determined affinity series the purification of Y(III) from Dy(III) complexes with IMDA as well as Y(III) from Ho(III) and Y(III) from Er(III) in the macro–micro system on the anion-exchangers Dowex 1 (type 1) of cross-linking 2, 4 and 8% DVB and Dowex 2×8 (type 2) was studied by frontal analysis. The best results were obtained using Dowex 1×8 and Dowex 2×8 in the acetate form. In this way the purification of Y(III) from Dy(III) complexes with HEDTA also was studied on the anion-exchangers Dowex 1×2 and Dowex 1×4 in the HEDTA form.