Solvent extraction of Terbium(III) from chloride solution using organophosphorus extractant, its mixture and ionic liquid in the presence of organic acids

Addition of organic acids to dilute hydrochloric acid solution can improve the extraction of rare earth elements by single cationic extractants. However, the correlation between the chemical structure of organic acids and the extraction of REEs as well as the variation in equilibrium pH has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the extraction of Tb(III) from dilute HCl solutions containing an organic acid like formic, lactic, fumaric, or maleic acid. As extractants, single Cyanex 272, a mixture of Cyanex 272 and Alamine 336 (Ala336-Cy272), and an ionic liquid (ALi-Cy272) synthesized by Cyanex 272 and Aliquat 336 were used. The speciation of Tb(III) in dilute HCl solutions containing organic acids was analyzed. In extraction of Tb(III), organic acids showed two roles as complexing and buffering agent, which depended on the chemical structure of the acids. There was some difference in the extraction of Tb(III) between single Cyanex 272 and ionic liquid, ALi-Cy272. During extraction with ALi-Cy272, formic and lactic acid negatively affected the extraction of Tb(III). The fact that the chemical structure of organic acids affected the extraction of Tb(III) from dilute HCl solution by the studied extractants can provide important information on the selection of suitable extraction systems.