Abstract
Solvent extraction and separation of Pr, Nd and Dy from a synthetic leach solution of spent NdFeB magnet from wind turbines in the presence of aquo-complexing agent Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was studied using the nitrate form of Mextral® 336At ([336At][NO3]) as an extractant. The effect of different process parameters such as pH, extractant, nitrate, and EDTA concentrations on the extraction of Pr, Nd and Dy was studied. The extraction of these rare earths elements follows the order Pr > Nd > Dy, whereas EDTA forms stable complexes in the order Dy > Nd > Pr. The synergy of these two effects improved the selectivity among these elements as compared to when no aquo-complexing agent was used. The mechanism of extraction of rare earth elements was established by slope analysis method. The Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of [336At][NO3] and extracted Nd complex were recorded to understand the interaction of extractant with rare earth metal ions in the organic phase.
Highlights
Superior magnetic properties make NdFeB magnets suitable for various applications such as the hard drive of computers, amplifiers, MRI machines, and wind turbines
The spent NdFeB magnet of wind turbines received from Regen Power Tech
The solvent extraction separation studies of praseodymium, neodymium and dysprosium obtained from NdFeB magnet leach liquor were performed by using ionic liquid, [336At][NO3 ] in the presence of complexing agent Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
Summary
Superior magnetic properties make NdFeB magnets suitable for various applications such as the hard drive of computers, amplifiers, MRI machines, and wind turbines. Primary resources of rare earth elements are limited and they occur together in mineral deposits, which make their separation tedious and lead to over production of less demanding rare earth metals. 250–650 kg of NdFeB magnets are required for the generators of wind turbines [2,3], and the life span of such magnets is only ~10 years. There is huge generation of waste magnet which can serve as a potential source of Nd, Pr and Dy. Processing of spent magnets for the recovery of rare earth elements will reduce the burden on primary resources and their separation will be simpler, as these resources do not contain all rare earth elements
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