Liquid–liquid extraction of yttrium using primene-JMT from acidic sulfate solutions

The liquid–liquid extraction of yttrium(III) from sulfate medium using primene-JMT is investigated with regard to extractant concentration, diluent type, equilibrium pH and time, temperature, and extraction isotherm. Aliphatic kerosene diluents were preferred compared to aromatic diluents because of higher extraction, shorter equilibrium time and good phase separation. Increasing temperature had a negative effect on yttrium(III) extraction. Quantitative yttrium(III) extraction efficiency was achieved at room temperature within 5 min using three stages of extraction with 0.4 M primene-JMT from a synthetic yttrium solution at pH 1.5 (0.2 M H2SO4) at a phase ratio of 1:1. A mechanism for extraction is suggested. The proposed separation of yttrium(III) from rare earth concentrate obtained from alkaline leaching of Egyptian monazite is outlined.