Complex Formation of Rare-Earth Elements in Carbonate–Alkaline Media

Abstract

Rare earth metals are critical components for many industries. The extraction of rare earth metals from mineral raw materials presents many problems, both of a technological and theoretical nature. The use of man-made sources imposes strict requirements on the process. Thermodynamic and kinetic data that could describe the most detailed technological water–salt leaching and precipitation systems are insufficient. The study addresses the problem of a small amount of data on the formation and equilibrium of carbonate–alkali systems of rare earth metals. Isotherms of solubility of sparingly soluble carbonates with the formation of carbonate complexes are presented to evaluate equilibrium constants logK at zero ionic strength for Nd −11.3, Sm −8.6, Gd −8.0, and Ho −7.3. To accurately predict the system under consideration, a mathematical model was developed, which allows to calculate the water–salt composition. The initial data for calculation are concentration constants of stability of lanthanide complexes. This work will contribute to deepening knowledge about rare earth elements extraction problems and will serve as a reference for studying the thermodynamics of water–salt systems.