Liquid-liquid extraction of Nd(III) using [P66614][Cy272] ionic liquid

Prasanjit DAS; Kali SANJAY; Niharbala DEVI

doi:10.55713/jmmm.v35i3.2252

Authors

Prasanjit DAS Department of Chemistry, Institute of Technical Education and Research, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar-751030, Odisha, India
Kali SANJAY Department of Hydro and Electrometallurgy, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar-751013, Odisha, India
Niharbala DEVI Department of Chemistry, Institute of Technical Education and Research, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar-751030, Odisha, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55713/jmmm.v35i3.2252

Keywords:

NdFeB magnet, Rare earth elements, Ionic liquid, Solvent extraction, Stripping

Abstract

This study explores the extraction of Nd(III) from synthetic solutions using the ionic liquid [P66614] [Cy272]. Key extraction parameters, including the effect of phase contact time, initial pH, salting-out agents, extractant concentration, and temperature, were systematically optimized. Results revealed that a phase contact time of 15 min, an initial pH of 2.14, and 0.2 mol∙L^‒1NaCl as a salting-out agent and extractant concentration of 0.015 mol∙L^‒1[P66614][Cy272], achieved maximum extraction efficiency of 99.7%. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed the process is to be exothermic, spontaneous, and entropy-driven, highlighting the strong complexation between Nd(III) and the ionic liquid [P66614][Cy272]. Stripping tests revealed that using 0.1 mol∙L^‒1 H₂SO₄, achieved complete recovery (100%) of Nd(III) from the loaded-organic phase. These findings underscore the potential of [P66614][Cy272] ionic liquid as a green, efficient alternative to conventional extractants, providing high efficiency and reduced environmental impact. This research advances hydrometallurgical recycling of REEs, particularly from end-of-life NdFeB magnets, supporting sustainable resource recovery and addressing global supply challenges for critical materials.

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