Advancement in Ion-Imprinted Polymers for Separation and Analysis of Rare Earth Elements

Rare earth elements (REEs) like lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), thulium (Th), and yttrium (Y) are crucial in high-tech consumer products and medical applications, including anti-tumor agents, dialysis medicines, and surgical tools. The rare earth industry growth has spiked demand for high-purity REEs, making efficient separation essential. Since REEs typically exist in low natural concentrations, precise analysis methods are required. One promising approach is Ionic Imprinted Polymers (IIPs), derived from Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs), which can selectively recognize and separate specific ions. IIPs offer considerable advantages in extracting, detecting, and quantifying REEs. This review examines recent progress in ion imprinting technology for REE analysis and separation, focusing on studies published in the past 2007–2024 years. It begins with an overview of REE analysis and separation methods, including their physical and chemical properties, the role of nanomaterials, and IIP components. Following this, IIP applications for REE analysis and contamination management, along with related uses in actinide separation are discussed.