Extraction behavior of selected rare earth metals from acidic chloride media using tetrabutyl diglycolamide

Rare earth elements (REEs) are vital to modern, high-tech devices. Recycling REEs from post-consumer electronics can potentially diminish supply chain risks. Toward that end, liquid–liquid solvent extraction of various REEs was investigated with tetrabutyl diglycolamide (TBDGA) in 1-octanol from hydrochloric acid media. Metal partitioning to the organic phase was shown to increase as [Cl^?] increased. In contrast, increasing [H⁺] did not improve extraction. The use of the polar diluent 1-octanol provided high extraction efficiency, especially for the partition of heavy lanthanides from solutions of high chloride concentration. Although the polar diluent also extracted molar amounts of water and acid, it was concluded that a neutral metal/TBDGA complex as mainly the di-solvate was extracted, and that complexation was observed to be exothermic. These results indicate that REE extraction from aqueous chloride solutions can be efficient without the use of high acid concentrations.     

Hydration counteracts the separation of lanthanides by solvent extraction

The extraction of lanthanides from aqueous nitrate solutions by quaternary ammonium nitrate ionic liquids (e.g., [A336][NO₃]) shows a negative sequence (i.e., light lanthanides are more efficiently extracted than heavy lanthanides), which conflicts with the lanthanide contraction. In this study, we explored the origin of the negative sequence by investigating the extraction of lanthanides from ethylammonium nitrate by [A336][NO₃]. The extraction shows a positive sequence, which is converted to a negative sequence with the addition of water. The transformation from positive to negative sequences reveals that the negative sequence is caused by the hydration of lanthanide ions: hydration of lanthanide ions counteracts the extraction. Therefore, the use of solvents that have weak solvation with lanthanide ions might enhance the separation of the elements by solvent extraction.     

Actinide–lanthanide co-extraction by rigidified diglycolamides

Within the actinide and lanthanide co-extraction strategy, three rigidified diglycolamides, namely 2,6-bis (N-dodecyl-carboxamide)-4-oxo-4H-pyran (1), 2,6-bis-[N-(4-tert-butylphenyl)carboxamide]-4-oxo-4H-pyran (2), 2,6-?bis[(N-docecyl-N-methyl)carboxamide]-?4-methoxy-?tetrahydro-pyran (3), were synthesized. Moreover, the effect of structural rigidification on Am(III) and Eu(III) extraction under different conditions was investigated. The carboxamide extractant 3 resembles the extracting behavior of N,N,N′,N′‐tetraoctyl diglycolamide (TODGA) in terms of efficiency and affinity within the lanthanide family, together with fast kinetics and satisfactory cation back-extraction. The presence of 1-octanol in the diluent mixture strongly affects the ligand stability. Moreover, despite the low extraction efficiency showed by 1 and 2, all the three ligands exhibit a higher affinity for Am with respect to TODGA, resulting in a lower lanthanide/Americium separation factor, of around 4 for ligand 3 and close to 1 for ligands 1 and 2.     

Extraction of Lanthanides(III) and Am(III) by Mixtures of Malonamide and Dialkylphosphoric Acid

Abstract

N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐dioctylhexylethoxymalonamide, DMDOHEMA, and di‐n‐hexylphosphoric acid, HDHP, are the extractants of reference for the French DIAMEX–SANEX process for the separation of trivalent actinide ions from the lanthanide ions. In this work, the extraction of Eu³⁺ and Am³⁺ by the two extractants, alone or in mixtures, has been investigated under a variety of experimental conditions. The two cations are extracted by HDHP as the M(DHP · HDHP)₃ complexes with an Eu/Am separation factor of ～10. With DMDOHEMA, Eu³⁺ and Am³⁺ are extracted as the M(NO₃)₃(DMDOHEMA)₂ disolvate species with an Am/Eu separation factor of ～2. The metal distribution ratios measured with a mixture of the two reagents indicated that almost all lanthanides are extracted equally well. The extraction of Eu³⁺ and Am³⁺ by HDHP‐DMDOHEMA mixtures exhibits a change of extraction mechanism and a reversal of selectivity taking place at ～1 M HNO₃ in the aqueous phase. Below this aqueous acidity, HDHP dominates the metal extraction by the mixture, whereas DMDOHEMA is the predominant extractant at higher aqueous acidities. Some measurements indicated apparent modest antagonism between the two extractants in the extraction of Eu³⁺ and synergism in the extraction of Am³⁺. These data were interpreted as resulting from the formation in the organic phase of mixed HDHP‐DMDOHEMA species containing two HDHP and five DMDOHEMA molecules.     

SYNERGISTIC EXTRACTION OF LANTHANIDES(III) BY TRIOCTYLMETHYLAMMONIUM NITRATE AND TRIBUTYL PHOSPHATE

ABSTRACT

The synergistic action of tributyl phosphate in the extraction of La(III), Pr(III)Nd(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Dy(III), Ho(III), Er(III)and Y(III) with trioc-tylmethylammonium nitrate was studied. The synergistic effect is diluent dependent. It is pronounced with a mixed dodecane/xylene diluent, and is weak with mixed heptane/xylene and hexane/xylene diluents as well as with pure xylene diluent. Two or three synergistic complexes are formed simultaneously in the organic phase. Their composition is (A₊)(Ln(N0₃)) ₄),.2B~), (A₊))(Ln(N0₃))J.3B"), and (A₊)) ₂) (Ln(N0₃)) ₅).BJ-) (Ln is a lanthanide(IM), A+ is a trioc-tylmethylammonium cation and B is a tributyl phosphate molecule). The stability of the synergistic complexes generally decreases with increasing atomic number of the lanthanides(III). The synergism enhaces the efficiency of the lanthanide(III) extraction with trioctylmethylammonium nitrate, but deteriorates its selectivity. The separation factors for the Pr(III)-Nd(III) and Eu(III)-Gd(III) pairs are gradually suppressed at increasing concentration of tributyl phosphate.     

Radionuclide Extraction by 2,6‐Pyridinedicarboxylamide Derivatives and Chlorinated Cobalt Dicarbollide

Abstract

The extraction properties of diamide derivatives of dipicolinamide (2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylamide or DPA, (R′R″NCO)₂C₅NH₃) in mixtures containing chlorinated cobalt dicarbollide in the acid form (HCCD), with and without a substituted polyethylene glycol (PEG), have been investigated. Distribution ratios of Cs, Sr, U, Eu and Am have been measured for various concentrations of diamide, PEG, aqueous phase nitric acid, with various HCCD:diamide ratios, and using different organic diluents. In the absence of HCCD, the diamides show little affinity for the extraction of Am or Eu from nitric acid solutions (distributions typically <1). Addition of HCCD with the diamide extractants indicates a pronounced synergistic effect with regard to actinide and lanthanide extraction; the observed Am and Eu distribution ratios typically increase by several orders of magnitude. Cesium is also appreciably extracted by the HCCD in the presence of the various diamides. Addition of PEG (to simultaneously extract Sr) with HCCD and diamide has minimal impacts on the Eu and Am distribution ratios. The initial data indicate that alkyl substituted DPA derivatives weakly affect the extraction properties with regard to actinides and lanthanides, while aryl substituents decrease extraction ability of the mixture. The results of this preliminary work indicate that numerous HCCD‐PEG‐DPA systems are promising and effective for the simultaneous extraction Cs, Sr, Am, and Eu from acidic solutions.     

Synthesis of N,N′-Dimethyl-N,N′-Dioctyl-3-Oxadiglycolamide and its Extraction Properties for Lanthanides

Abstract

Tetraalkyl-3-oxadiglycolamides show good prospects in nuclear reprocessing because of their complete incinerability. In addition, their degradation products interfere much less in the separation process when compared with organophosphorus extractants. An asymmetric extractant, N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-dioctyl-3-oxadiglycolamide, has been synthesized by a five-step process. The compound was applied to the extraction of selected lanthanides from nitric acid solutions using chloroform as diluent. Its extraction properties for lanthanides from nitrate media have been described. The distribution ratio of the selected metal ions has been studied as a function of aqueous HNO₃ concentrations, diglycolamide concentration and temperature.     

Extraction of lanthanides(III) from Perchlorate Solutions with Carbamoyl- and Phosphorylmethoxymethylphosphine Oxides and Tetrabutyldiglycolamide

The solvent extraction of Ln(III) ions from perchlorate aqueous solutions into an organic phase containing neutral polyfunctional organophosphorus ligands R₂P(O)CH₂OCH₂C(O)NBu₂ R = Bu (I), R = Ph (II) and R₂P(O)CH₂OCH₂P(O)R¹₂ R = R¹ = Bu (III); R = Bu, R¹ = Ph (IV); R = R¹ = Ph(V) has been studied. Their extraction behavior was compared with that of tetrabutyldiglycolamide (TBDGA), tetrabutylmethylenediphosphine dioxide (VI), P,P-dibutyl-P’P’-diphenylmethylenediphosphine dioxide (VII), tetraphenylmethylenediphosphine dioxide (VIII), dibutyl-N,N-dibutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (IX) and diphenyl-N,N-dibutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (X). The extraction equilibrium was investigated, and the equilibrium constants were calculated. It was found that the lanthanide(III) ions are extracted with the studied extractants from perchlorate solutions as LnL₃(ClO₄)₃ complexes. In the NaClO₄ media, TBDGA was found to possess a higher extraction efficiency towards Ln(III) ions than other neutral donor ligands studied. A successive replacement of the C(O)NBu₂ groups in the diglycolamide extractant molecule by phosphoryl ones leads to a decrease in the extraction efficiency of Ln(III) ions. In the NaClO₄ media, compounds II, IV and V with phenyl radicals at the P(O) group demonstrate a lower extraction efficiency towards Ln(III) ions than their butyl-substituted analogs. In contrast, phenyl-substituted diphosphine dioxides VIII, VII and carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (X) extract Ln(III) ions more effectively than their butyl-substituted analogs VI and IX. The extraction of Ln(III) ions from HClO₄ solutions is accompanied by HClO₄ interaction with neutral donor extractants, which leads to a decrease of the free extractant concentration in the organic phase. By this reason, an increase in the HClO₄ concentration higher than 0.1 M is accompanied by a decrease of the Ln(III) extraction with TBDGA. In the 3 M HClO₄ system, diphosphine dioxide VIII outperforms TBDGA at the Ln(III) extraction.     

Synthesis and Screening of t-Bu-CyMe4-BTBP,and Comparison with CyMe4-BTBP

The effect of adding a t-butyl group to the core molecule of CyMe₄-BTBP, with the aim of improving solubility in organic diluents, has been studied with regard to the extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) from HNO₃. Synthesis of t-Bu-CyMe₄-BTBP is described in detail. Metal nitrates are extracted from nitric acid in the form of 1:2 complexes, M(NO₃)₃(BTBP)₂. Whether in 1-octanol, kerosene, or cyclohexanone diluents, t-Bu-CyMe₄-BTBP extracts with larger distribution ratios but with slower kinetics than CyMe₄-BTBP. The general trends previously observed for CyMe₄-BTBP regarding the diluent and modifier influence were also found for t-Bu-CyMe₄-BTBP.     

Extraction Studies of Lanthanide(III) Ions with N,N′‐Dimethyl‐N,N′‐diphenylpyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxyamide (DMDPhPDA) from Nitric Acid Solutions

Abstract

The new diamide compound, N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐diphenylpyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxyamide (DMDPhPDA), was synthesized and the distribution ratios of lanthanides from 1 to 5 M nitric acid solutions into DMDPhPDA CHCl₃ solution were determined. The extraction mechanism of lanthanide with DMDPhPDA was discussed based on the slope analysis of acid and ligand concentration dependencies and the variation of distribution ratio along the lanthanides series. The number of DMDPhPDA molecules in extracted complexes increase from 3 for lighter lanthanides to 4 for heavier lanthanides. From the previous EXAFS study of a complex similar in structure, Ln(III) would form an inner‐sphere complex with the two DMDPhPDA molecules and an outer‐sphere complex with the third and/or fourth DMDPhPDA molecules in addition to an inner‐sphere complex. Nitric acid concentration has more influence on the distribution ratio and the difference of distribution ratio among lanthanides than the ligand concentration.     

Solvent extraction of lanthanides and yttrium from nitrate medium with CYANEX 925 in heptane

The extraction behavior of lanthanides and yttrium usinsg CYANEX 925 (mixture of branched chain alkylated phosphine oxides) in n‐heptane from nitrate medium has been studied. The effects of aqueous phase ionic strength, CYANEX 925 concentration in the organic phase, and temperature on Sm³⁺, Nd³⁺ and Y³⁺ extraction have been investigated. The extractability of the lanthanides and yttrium increases with increasing nitrate concentration, as well as with increasing CYANEX 925 concentration. An extraction mechanism is proposed based on slope analysis. Furthermore, the infra‐red spectra of CYANEX 925 saturated with lanthanides are employed to provide evidence of the composition of the complex. The relationship between the logarithm of the distribution ratio and lanthanide atomic number is also discussed which indicates that yttrium can be separated from light lanthanides. In addition separation of the light and heavy lanthanide groups is also possible using CYANEX 925. From the temperature dependence data, the thermodynamic parameters values (ΔH, ΔS and ΔG) are calculated. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

An Additional Insight into the Correlation between the Distribution Ratios and the Aqueous Acidity of the TODGA System

Abstract

Extraction of Eu(III) and Am(III) from HNO₃ into the organic solvents using N,N,N′,N′‐tetraoctyl‐diglycolamide (TODGA) was investigated in order to study the detailed extraction reaction. The chemical species: 1:2 for metal:TODGA complex is present in polar diluents. On the other hand, the metal complexes need three or more TODGA molecules to remain stable in non‐polar diluents. The HNO₃ concentration dependence on the distribution ratio suggests that HNO₃ participates in the metal extraction. Infrared spectra indicate that the carbonyl oxygen coordinates with Eu(III), and luminescence lifetimes suggest that there are no water molecules in the inner coordination sphere of the extracted Eu‐complex.     

The Effect of Alkyl Substituents on Actinide and Lanthanide Extraction by Diglycolamide Compounds

The effect of the alkyl substituents on amidic N atoms in diglycolamide (DGA) compounds on solvent extraction has been investigated. The solubility in water and n-dodecane, lanthanide loading capacity, and distribution ratios (D) of lanthanides and actinides for various DGA compounds are reported. DGA derivatives with short alkyl chains, for example, methyl and ethyl groups, are very water soluble, while DGA derivatives with long alkyl chains, for example, octyl (TODGA), decyl (TDDGA), dodecyl (TDdDGA), and 2-ethylhexyl (TEHDGA) group are moderately soluble in n-dodecane. DGA derivatives with phenyl substituents have very low solubility in both aqueous and organic solvents, which suggests that these compounds will not be suitable for solvent extraction applications in the HNO₃/n-dodecane systems. The lanthanide loading capacities of DGA extractants correlate with their alkyl chain lengths according to the following order: TDdDGA > TDDGA > TODGA > TEHDGA. The branched-alkyl-chain DGA derivative (TEHDGA) exhibits both lower D and loading capacity than TODGA. The results of masking-effect and solubility tests indicate that TEDGA is the best actinide masking agent among the water-soluble DGA derivatives tested. Actinide and lanthanide extractions using ten DGA compounds in six diluents (nitrobenzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1-octanol, chloroform, toluene, and n-dodecane) are also reported; it was observed that lipophilic DGA derivatives with shorter alkyl chains show higher D values.     

The Separation of Am from Lanthanides by Purified Cyanex 301 Extraction

Abstract

Separation factors of tracer amounts of Am from micro lanthanides (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm) by purified Cyanex 301 extraction in nitrate media have been determined: SF_Am/La ～ 3500, SF_Am/Ce,pr ～ 1000, SF_Am/Nd ～ 1900, and SF_Am/Sm～ 4500, with an average value >2300. The distribution ratio decreases with increasing lanthanide concentration in the aqueous phase. In the presence of a macro amount of Pr + Nd (0.1 ～ 0.6 M) the separation factors SF_Am/Eu and SF_Am/pr+Ndare about 4.7 × 10³ and 2.1 × 10³, respectively. The results of the countercurrent fractional process show that by using three extraction stages and two scrubbing stages, >99.99% Am can be separated from a tracer amount of Eu with <0.1% extraction of Eu. Using six extraction stages, >99.99% Am and <0.6% macro amount of Pr ± Nd are extracted into the organic phase.     

Separation of Actinides(III) from Lanthanides(III) in Simulated Nuclear Waste Streams using 6,6′‐Bis‐(5,6‐dipentyl‐[1,2,4]triazin‐3‐yl)‐[2,2′]bipyridinyl (C5‐BTBP) in Cyclohexanone

Abstract

An extraction system comprising 6,6′‐bis‐(5,6‐dipentyl‐[1,2,4]triazin‐3‐yl)‐[2,2′]bipyridinyl (C5‐BTBP) dissolved in cyclohexanone was investigated. The main purpose of this investigation was to extract and separate actinides(III) from lanthanides(III), both of which are present in the waste from the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. The system studied showed high distribution ratios for the actinides(III) and a high separation factor between actinides and lanthanides (SF_Am/Eu around 150). The extraction kinetics were fast with equilibrium being reached in 5 minutes. The effects of temperature on the extraction and the stoichiometry of the extracted complex were investigated. The extraction of californium(III) was studied and it was found that the BTBP molecule has a higher affinity for californium than for americium (SF_Cf/Am around 4). This system could be used to separate actinides(III) from lanthanide fission products with high efficiency, if used in conjunction with a pre‐equilibrium step.     

EXTRACTION OF Am(lll) AND Eu(lll) NITRATES BY 2-6-DI-(5,6-DIPROPYL-1,2,4-TRIAZIN-3-YL)PYRIDINES 1

ABSTRACT

The extraction of Am(lll) and Eu(lll) by 2,6-di(5,6-dipropyl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)-pyridines from mostly 1·9 M (HNO₃ + NH₄NO₃) was studied. The compound with n-propyl (DPTP) forms dimers and trimers in mixed branched alkanes modified with 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. The self-association is supported by enhancing the HNO₃ concentration from 0·3 to 0·9 M. In the above modified diluent, DPTP extracts Am(lll) and Eu(lll) nitrates as the complexes Am(NO₃)₃HNO₃-3B and Eu(NO₃)₃HN033B. The Am(lll)/Eu(lll) separation factor is typically 100 -120. The extraction and separation efficiency of DPTP strongly decreases in the order of diluents (each modified with 2-ethyl-1-hexanol) branched alkanes > cyclohexane > 2-methyl-4-pentanone > 2-ethylhexyl acetate > benzene > chlorobenzene > xylene. 1-Octanol and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol modifiers support appropriately the solubility of protonated forms of DPTP in branched alkanes, and moderately enhance the extraction of Am(lll) and Eu(lll). 1-Butanol modifier allows a higher extraction efficiency but supports less the solubility. The optimum extraction and separation efficiency is attained at 10 - 20 vol% modifier. The isopropyl analogue extracts Am(lll) more effectively than DPTP, but the extraction is slow and the separation from Eu(lll) is inefficient.     

Mixed Ligand Chelate Extraction of Lanthanides: I. 8-Quinolinol Systems

Abstract

A detailed study of the equilibrium extraction behavior of a series of representative tervalent lanthanide ions, La, Pr, Eu, Ho, and Yb, into chloroform solutions containing either 8-quinol-inol (HQ) alone or mixed with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), was carried out. The results demonstrated that, except for La which extracted as a simple chelate, LaQ₃, the lanthanides extract as self-adduct chelates, LnQ₃ · 2HQ, and at higher HQ concentrations, LnQ₃ · 3HQ. In the presence of phen, mixed ligand chelates of all the lanthanides but La of the formula LnQ₃ · 2HQ · phen are formed. The use of the experimental parameters, pH, concentration of both HQ and phen to optimize the separation of the lanthanides is discussed. It is concluded that chelate extraction systems in which adduct and mixed ligand complexes are formed enhance separation capability.     

Solvent modification effect on the physical and chemical extraction of acetic acid

Combined use of inert diluents with polar modifiers enables former to be utilized for the recovery of polar value-added chemicals. The results show that polarities of both solvent and modifier are critical for efficient separations. Thus, K_D values with 1-octanol were higher than those with 1-decanol; however, those with xylene were superior to those with hexane and toluene. Increasing the amine concentrations increased the K_D values, in contrast to the trends with pH and temperature. About 33%, 79% and 67% of acetic acid was recovered using 25% (v/v) Alamine 336 in xylene, 1-octanol and 30% 1-octanol-modified xylene, respectively. Therefore, solvent modification positively affects the extraction power of inert diluents for acetic acid recovery.     

Synthesis of Pre‐Organized Bisdiglycolamides (BisDGA) and Study of their Extraction Properties for Actinides(III) and Lanthanides(III)

Bisdiglycolamides 1–9 were synthesized and studied as extracting agents for An(III) and Ln(III) from nitric acid solutions. Compounds 1d‐3 with rigid spacers as m‐xylylene and 6b‐9 with more flexible alkyl chain linkers, show higher selectivity for Eu(III) extraction over Am(III) than diglycolamides (TBDGA, DMDODGA, TODGA) in (50:50)_%Vol HPT/1‐octanol mixture. Am(III) and Eu(III) extraction kinetics are very fast and back‐extraction with more than 99% efficiency of both cations is possible after four times of contact of the loaded solvent with fresh 0.01 mol/L nitric acid solutions.     

Extraction Behavior of the Synergistic System 2,6‐ bis ‐(Benzoxazolyl)‐4‐ Dodecyloxylpyridine and 2‐Bromodecanoic Acid Using Am and Eu as Radioactive Tracers

Abstract

In this study, the extraction properties of a synergistic system consisting of 2,6‐bis‐(benzoxazolyl)‐4‐dodecyloxylpyridine (BODO) and 2‐bromodecanoic acid (HA) in tert‐butyl benzene (TBB) have been investigated as a function of ionic strength by varying the nitrate ion and perchlorate ion concentrations. The influence of the hydrogen ion concentration has also been investigated. Distribution ratios between 0.03–12 and 0.003–0.8 have been found for Am(III) and Eu(III), respectively, but there were no attempts to maximize these values. It has been shown that the distribution ratios decrease with increasing amounts of ClO₄ ^?, NO₃ ^?, and H⁺. The mechanisms, however, by which the decrease occurs, are different. In the case of increasing perchlorate ion concentration, the decrease in extraction is linear in a log–log plot of the distribution ratio vs. the ionic strength, while in the nitrate case the complexation between nitrate and Am or Eu increases at high nitrate ion concentrations and thereby decreases the distribution ratio in a non‐linear way. The decrease in extraction could be caused by changes in activity coefficients that can be explained with specific ion interaction theory (SIT); shielding of the metal ions, and by nitrate complexation with Am and Eu as competing mechanism at high ionic strengths. The separation factor between Am and Eu reaches a maximum at ～1 M nitrate ion concentration. Thereafter the values decrease with increasing nitrate ion concentrations.