Affiliation:
1. Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
Abstract
The combined chemical extraction of rare earth elements from acid solutions and electrochemical separation of yttrium by electrodeposition from Estonian phosphorite ore samples containing rare earth elements has been conducted using ionic liquids at room temperature. It is shown that bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate can be used to selectively extract yttrium from other low rare earth elements, constituting the basis for further extraction. Electrochemical deposition can then be applied to the concentrated extraction product to separate valuable Y from the more abundant elements, such as Ca, from the natural sample. The addition of Bi salt to the working solution significantly aids REE’s deposition. It is shown that this extraction method can be highly efficient as well as selective when well-controlled different electrodeposition conditions are applied.
Funder
Estonian Ministry of Education and Research
Education and Youth Board
European Regional Development Fund Centers of Excellence