Diluents Role in Extraction and Possible Separation of Light Rare Earth Elements from Chloride Solutions by using Cyanex® 272 used as an Extractant

The present paper deals with liquid-liquid extraction studies and the possible separation of light rare earths (LREs) from chloride solutions. Aromatic diluents such as benzene, toluene and xylene were tested for LREs extraction and possible separation from chloride solutions. Bis(2,4,4-triethylpentyl)phosphinic acid (trade name Cyanex® 272) was used as an extractant and dissolved in the diluents. Various experimental parameters such as time effect, influence of pH, extractant concentration variation and maximum loading capacity of the target LREs to Cyanex® 272 were examined. Finally, the separation potential of each of the other LREs was calculated, and a suitable diluent system was proposed. The highest separation factors were found using the present systems. Key words: light rare earth elements, chloride solutions, extraction, separation, Cyanex® 272