Efficient separation of rare earths recovered by a supported ionic liquid from bauxite residue leachate

Bauxite residue (BR) contains substantial concentrations of rare-earth elements (REEs), but their recovery is a challenge. Acidic BR leachates typically comprise much higher concentrations of base elements (g L−1) than those of the REEs (ppm). Thus, adsorbents that are highly selective for the REEs over the base elements are required for the separation. The novel supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) betainium sulfonyl(trifluoromethanesulfonylimide) poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) [Hbet-STFSI-PS-DVB] was evaluated for the uptake of REEs (Sc, Y, Nd, Dy) in the presence of base elements (Ca, Al, Fe) from BR leachates. Breakthrough curves from acidic nitrate and sulfate media were investigated, as both HNO3 and H2SO4 are commonly used for leaching of BR. The SILP exhibited a superior affinity for REEs in both media, except in the case of Sc(III) from the sulfate feed. The recovery rates of the trace amounts of REEs from the real nitrate feed were remarkably high (71.7–100%) via a simple chromatography separation, without requiring complexing agents or a pretreatment for the removal of interfering elements. The REEs were purified from the base elements and separated into three sub-groups (scandium, light REEs and heavy REEs) by an optimized elution profile with H3PO4 and HNO3 in a single chromatographic separation step

Separation and recovery of critical metal ions using ionic liquids

Separation and purification of critical metal ions such as rare-earth elements (REEs), scandium and niobium from their minerals is difficult and often determines if extraction is economically and environmentally feasible. Solvent extraction is a commonly used metal-ion separation process, usually favored because of its simplicity, speed and wide scope, which is why it is often employed for separating trace metals from their minerals. However, the types of solvents widely used for the recovery of metal ions have adverse environmental impact. Alternatives to solvent extraction have been explored and advances in separation technologies have seen commercial establishment of liquid membranes as an alternative to conventional solvent extraction for the recovery of metals and other valuable materials. Liquid membrane transport incorporates solvent extraction and membrane separation in one continuously operating system. Both methods conventionally use solvents that are harmful to the environment, however, the introduction of ionic liquids (ILs) over the last decade is set to minimize the environmental impact of both solvent extraction and liquid membrane separation processes. ILs are a family of organic molten salts with low or negligible vapour pressure which may be formed below 100 oC. Such liquids are also highly thermally stable and less toxic. Their ionic structure makes them thermodynamically favorable solvents for the extraction of metallic ions. The main aim of this article is to review the current achievements in the separation of REE, scandium, niobium and vanadium from their minerals, using ILs in either solvent extraction or liquid membrane processes. The mechanism of separation using ILs is discussed and the engineering constraints to their application are identified

Investigations on the application of the ion-exchanger SRAFION NMRR for the enrichment and separation of uranium and other trace elements from sea water [Untersuchungen über die Verwendbarkeit des Ionenaustauschers SRAFION NMRR zur Anreicherung und Abtrennung von Uran und anderen Spurenelementen aus dem Meerwasser]

It can be demonstrated, in batch and continuous flow experiments that the ion-exchanger SRAFION NMRR is suitable for the preconcentration and separation of uranium and other trace elements (such as Mo, V, Ag, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) from sea water. Among the different eluates, 0.5 N HNO3 was selected. Uranium was extracted from the eluate with 0.1 M TOPO/cyclohexane and analysed in the organic extract by differential-pulse polarography, while the other elements were directly determined in the eluate by AAS. It was possible to determine the above mentioned trace elements by this absorption-elution process in the sea water of the Isthmus of Corinth area, Greece. © 1985 Springer-Verlag