Comparison of Cyanex 272 and Cyanex 572 for the separation of Neodymium from a Nd/Tb/Dy mixture by pertraction

• Published in: Journal of chemical technology and biotechnology (1986) Vol. 93; no. 8; pp. 2152 - 2159
• Main Authors: Pavon, Sandra, Kutucu, Merve, Coll, M Teresa, Fortuny, Agustin, Sastre, Ana M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01-08-2018; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Dysprosium; liquid–liquid extraction; Magnets; membranes; Metals; Neodymium; Organic chemistry; pertraction; pH effects; Separation; supported liquid membrane; waste treatment and waste minimisation
• ISSN: 0268-2575; 1097-4660
• DOI: 10.1002/jctb.5458

BACKGROUND
Recovering Nd(III) from waste magnets is an alternative method to satisfy the increasing demand for this metal. For this reason, the separation of Nd from a mixture containing Nd/Tb/Dy in chloride media using Cyanex 272 and Cyanex 572 has been evaluated.
RESULTS
Using Cyanex 272 and Cyanex 572, the metals are transported in the order Dy(III) > Tb(III) > > Nd(III) in all conditions studied. The optimum feed conditions to achieve Nd(III) separation are: Cyanex 272: pH 2 and Cyanex 572: pH 1.5 with 1.2 mol L‐1 HCl as a receiving agent for both carriers.
CONCLUSION
The results obtained suggest that Cyanex 572 is a better carrier than Cyanex 272 for separating Nd(III) from a mixture containing Nd/Tb/Dy. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry