Tendencies in Application of Ionic Liquids and Binary Extractants in Extraction and Separation of Lanthanides and Actinides

Abstract

Published data on the application of ionic liquids (ILs) and binary extractants in the extraction and separation of rare-earth metals (REMs) and radioactive elements, published in Russia and abroad during the last 5–10 years, are reviewed. An analysis of published studies demonstrated that new ILs used as solvents or additives to improve the extraction and separation of actinides and lanthanides are being presently developed. Difunctionalized and also binary extractants are widely used to separate REMs. Various extractive systems with ILs and factors affecting the efficiency of extraction and separation of actinides and lanthanides are considered and attention is given to the composition of compounds of the elements being extracted, selectivity of extractants, possibility of re-extracting metals from the organic phase, and practical use of ILs.