The interphase distribution of light REE Ce(III) and La(III) in system based on PEG-1500 – NaNO3 – H2O with the quaternary ammonium base addition

Abstract

The problem of e-waste processing and recovery of valuable metals from such waste for the second use is attracting more and more scientists’ attention. Liquid extraction as one of hydrometallurgy steps is a traditional method for the metal recovery. However, application of solvent extraction is not meet the green chemistry principles due to organic solvents. Aqueous two-phase systems based on water-soluble polymers are promising alternative for hazardous organic solvents. In this work the dependencies of Ce(III) and La(III) distribution coefficients from process time and the initial quaternary ammonium base concentration have been achieved. Also, based on the Ce(III) and La(III) extraction isotherms it has been shown that the metals initial concentrations are highly affects the distribution coefficients of studied metals. The possibility of aqueous two-phase system application as a solvent for quaternary ammonium salt for light REE (Ce(III) and La(III)) extraction from water solution has been shown.