Solvent Extraction Separation of La³⁺ and Ba²⁺ Using Imidazolium Ionic Liquids and TODGA Extractant

Abstract

Solvent extraction of La³⁺ and Ba²⁺ by N,N,N′,N′-tetra(n-octyl)diglycolamide (TODGA) from aqueous solutions in twelve imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs), 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide/bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide ([C_nmim][NTf₂]/[BETI], n = 2,3,4,6,8,10) were investigated. The corresponding extraction efficiencies were found to be dependent on concentration of TODGA used, the acidity of aqueous phase, alkyl chain length on IL cation, and IL anion as well.

Keywords:

• ionic liquids
• la³⁺/ba²⁺
• solvent extraction
• TODGA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

JRB and HML were supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Office of Nuclear Physics. SD was supported by the Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences under Contract DE-AC05-0096OR22725 with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by UT-Battelle, LLC. JRB acknowledges the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) for postdoctoral fellowship.