Solid-liquid extraction of Gd(III) and separation possibilities of rare earths from phosphoric acid solutions using Tulsion CH-93 and Tulsion CH-90 resins

Solid-liquid extraction of gadolinium was investigated from phosphoric acid medium using commercial amino phosphonic acid resin, Tulsion CH-93. The experimental conditions studied included equilibration time, acid concentration, mass of the resin, metal concentration, loading and elution. The percent extraction of Gd(III) was studied as a function of phosphoric acid (0.05-3 mol/L) using Tulsion CH-93 resin. The corresponding lgD vs. equilibrium pH plot gave straight line with a slope of 1.8. The percent extraction decreased with acid concentration increasing, conforming ion exchange mechanism. Under observed experimental conditions the loading capacity of Tulsion CH-93 for gadolinium was 10.6 mg/g. Among several eluants screened, the quantitative elution of Gd(III) from loaded Tulsion CH-93 was obtained with ammonium oxalate (0.15 mol/L). The extraction behavior of commonly associated metals with gadolinium was studied as a function of phosphoric acid concentration. Tulsion CH-93 resin showed selective extraction towards heavy rare earths (Lu and Yb) which could be separated from other rare earths at 3 mol/L H3PO4, similar to wet phosphoric acid (3–5 mol/L). On the other hand Gd(III) and other rare earths were studied with chelating resin Tulsion CH-90. Light rare earths were highly extracted and these could be separated from heavy rare earths and Gd.