A green separation strategy for neodymium (III) from cobalt (II) and nickel (II) using an ionic liquid-based aqueous two-phase system.

Title A green separation strategy for neodymium (III) from cobalt (II) and nickel (II) using an ionic liquid-based aqueous two-phase system.
Authors Y. Chen; H. Wang; Y. Pei; J. Wang
Journal Talanta
DOI 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.02.018
Abstract

It is significant to develop sustainable strategies for the selective separation of rare earth from transition metals from fundamental and practical viewpoint. In this work, an environmentally friendly solvent extraction approach has been developed to selectively separate neodymium (III) from cobalt (II) and nickel (II) by using an ionic liquid-based aqueous two phase system (IL-ATPS). For this purpose, a hydrophilic ionic liquid (IL) tetrabutylphosphonate nitrate ([P][NO]) was prepared and used for the formation of an ATPS with NaNO. Binodal curves of the ATPSs have been determined for the design of extraction process. The extraction parameters such as contact time, aqueous phase pH, content of phase-formation components of NaNO and the ionic liquid have been investigated systematically. It is shown that under optimal conditions, the extraction efficiency of neodymium (III) is as high as 99.7%, and neodymium (III) can be selectively separated from cobalt (II) and nickel (II) with a separation factor of 10. After extraction, neodymium (III) can be stripped from the IL-rich phase by using dilute aqueous sodium oxalate, and the ILs can be quantitatively recovered and reused in the next extraction process. Since [P][NO] works as one of the components of the ATPS and the extractant for the neodymium, no organic diluent, extra etractant and fluorinated ILs are used in the separation process. Thus, the strategy described here shows potential in green separation of neodymium from cobalt and nickel by using simple IL-based aqueous two-phase system.

Citation Y. Chen; H. Wang; Y. Pei; J. Wang.A green separation strategy for neodymium (III) from cobalt (II) and nickel (II) using an ionic liquid-based aqueous two-phase system.. Talanta. 2018;182:450455. doi:10.1016/j.talanta.2018.02.018

Related Elements

Neodymium

See more Neodymium products. Neodymium (atomic symbol: Nd, atomic number: 60)is a Block F, Group 3, Period 6 element with an atomic weight of 144.242. Neodymium Bohr ModelThe number of electrons in each of Neodymium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 22, 8, 2 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f4 6s2. The neodymium atom has a radius of 181 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 229 pm. Neodymium was first discovered by Carl Aer von Welsbach in 1885. In its elemental form, neodymium has a silvery-white appearance. Neodymium is the most abundant of the rare earths after cerium and lanthanum. Neodymium is found in monazite and bastnäsite ores. It is used to make high-strength neodymium magnets and laser crystal substances like neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (also known as Nd:YAG). The name originates from the Greek words neos didymos, meaning new twin.

Cobalt

See more Cobalt products. Cobalt (atomic symbol: Co, atomic number: 27) is a Block D, Group 9, Period 4 element with an atomic weight of 58.933195. Cobalt Bohr ModelThe number of electrons in each of cobalt's shells is 2, 8, 15, 2 and its electron configuration is [Ar]3d7 4s2. The cobalt atom has a radius of 125 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 192 pm. Cobalt was first discovered by George Brandt in 1732. In its elemental form, cobalt has a lustrous gray appearance. Cobalt is found in cobaltite, erythrite, glaucodot and skutterudite ores. Elemental CobaltCobalt produces brilliant blue pigments which have been used since ancient times to color paint and glass. Cobalt is a ferromagnetic metal and is used primarily in the production of magnetic and high-strength superalloys. Co-60, a commercially important radioisotope, is useful as a radioactive tracer and gamma ray source. The origin of the word Cobalt comes from the German word "Kobalt" or "Kobold," which translates as "goblin," "elf" or "evil spirit.

Nickel

See more Nickel products. Nickel (atomic symbol: Ni, atomic number: 28) is a Block D, Group 4, Period 4 element with an atomic weight of 58.6934. Nickel Bohr ModelThe number of electrons in each of nickel's shells is [2, 8, 16, 2] and its electron configuration is [Ar]3d8 4s2. Nickel was first discovered by Alex Constedt in 1751. The nickel atom has a radius of 124 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 184 pm. In its elemental form, nickel has a lustrous metallic silver appearance. Nickel is a hard and ductile transition metal that is considered corrosion-resistant because of its slow rate of oxidation. Elemental NickelIt is one of four elements that are ferromagnetic and is used in the production of various type of magnets for commercial use. Nickel is sometimes found free in nature but is more commonly found in ores. The bulk of mined nickel comes from laterite and magmatic sulfide ores. The name originates from the German word kupfernickel, which means "false copper" from the illusory copper color of the ore.