Mass transport modeling and analysis on the mutual separation of lanthanum(III) and cerium(IV) through a hollow fiber supported liquid membrane

The mutual separation of lanthanum(III) and cerium(IV) was performed by using a hollow fiber supported liquid membrane. D2EHPA was used as an extractant. The effects of the sulfuric acid concentration in the feed solution, D2EHPA and strippant on the percentage of extraction and stripping were examined. The separation of lanthanum(III) by 4% (v/v) D2EHPA was achieved while cerium(IV) was rejected in the feed solution. A mathematical model focusing on the interface layer was presented to predict the thickness of the layer. The relationship between flux and layer thickness was in good agreement with experimental results and mass transfer theory.