Application of monodispersive anion exchangers in sorption and separation of Y3+ from Nd3+ and Sm3+ complexes with dcta

Rare earth complexes with trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N′,N′ -tetraacetic acid (DCTA) of the Ln(dcta)− type exhibited an unusual sequence of affinity on the polystyrene anion exchangers: Pm3+>Nd3+>Sm3+>Pr3+>Ce3+>Eu3+>Gd3+>La3+>Sc3+>Tb3+>Dy3+> Ho3+>Y3+>Er3+>Tm3+>Yb3+>Lu3+[1]. Taking into account the position of Y3+, Sm3+, and Nd3+ in this affinity series, for the monodispersive polystyrene anion exchangers, Lewatit MonoPlus M 500, Lewatit MonoPlus M 600, Lewatit MonoPlus MP 500, Lewatit MonoPlus MP 64, and for the heterodispersive anion exchanger, Lewatit MP 62, the weight (Dg) and bed (Dv) distribution coefficients of these complexes and working ion exchange capacities (Cw) were determined. Based on these values, purifications of Y3+ from Nd3+ and Y3+ from Sm3+ in the macro-micro component system on these anion exchangers were studied. The application potential of this method was highlighted for the separation of Y3+ in the presence of Nd3+ and Sm3+. With 1 L of monodispersive and strongly basic polystyrene gel anion exchanger Lewatit MonoPlus M 500 in the acetate form, it is possible to obtain approximately 79 g Y2O3 purified from Nd2O3 and 70 g Y2O3 purified from Sm2O3 in the same process condition.