Separation of rare-earth element complexes with trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid on polyacrylate anion exchangers

The rare-earth element complexes with DCTA of the Ln(dcta)−type show an unusual sequence of affinity for the polystyrene anion exchangers. Taking into account the position of Y(III), Sm(III) and Nd(III) in this affinity series, for the polyacrylate anion exchangers Amberlite IRA 458, Amberlite IRA 68 and Amberlite IRA 958, the distribution coefficients of these complexes were determined. Taking into consideration their values, the purification of Y(III) from Nd(III) and Y(III) from Sm(III) in the macro–micro system on the polyacrylate gel and macroporous strong basic, as well as weakly basic gel anion exchangers, was studied. the above method, it is possible to obtain about 90 g Y2O3 purified from Nd2O3 and 81 g Y2O3 purified from Sm2O3 on 1 L of Amberlite IRA 68 in the acetate form with the yield about 50%. results indicate that the unique properties of polyacrylate anion exchangers enable their application for separation of rare-earth elements.