Solvent extraction of lanthanides with triisoamylphosphate and di-(2ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid from trichloroacetic acid and nitric acid solutions

The study on solvent extraction of some rare earth elements with triisoamyl phosphate (TiAP) and a mixture of TiAP and di-(2ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) from trichloroacetic acid and nitric acid solutions has been carried out. It was found that Y has been more effectively extracted with TiAP from the trichloroacetic acid solution than from the mono and dichloroacetic acid solutions. The influence of various factors such as acid, RE and salting-out agent concentrations on the distribution ratio has been studied. The synergistic extraction effects were observed for low trichloroacetic acid and high nitric acid concentrations. The influence of the TiAP–D2EHPA ratio and the total concentration of two extractants, as well as acid concentration on the synergistic extraction ratio has been investigated. RE extraction isotherms by TiAP and D2EHPA alone and by a mixture of these extractants in the above extraction systems were established.