Solvent extraction and separation of Y(III) from sulfate, nitrate and chloride solutions using PC88A diluted in kerosene

ABSTRACT

Solvent extraction of yttrium (Y) from different aqueous solutions using the organic extractant 2- ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (PC88A) diluted in kerosene was investigated. Solution chemistry considerations were proposed to identify the predominant species in different aqueous media (H₂SO₄, HCl and HNO₃). In general, nitric and hydrochloric acids were found to be more efficient than sulfuric acid for yttrium extraction. Separation studies showed that nitric acid provide higher separation of Y(III) from light REES while sulfuric acid works better when separation of Y(III) from heavy REEs is desired.

KEYWORDS:

• Yttrium
• solvent extraction
• PC88A
• kerosene
• McCabe-Thiele diagram
• stripping

Acknowledgement

This research was sponsored by ARL and was accomplished under Cooperative Agreement Number W911NF-16-10-2-0025. The authors would like to thank Profs. Kellar, Cross, Bendler and Boyles for useful discussions.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.