Optimization of green technique develop for europium (III) extraction by using phosphonium ionic liquid and central composite design approach

Abstract

Rare earth compounds widely used in industrial applications and new processes with green solvents are appropriate for recovering these elements. In this study, the ionic liquid application development was investigated to extract europium ions in single and binary systems. A green procedure for europium (III) extraction from aqueous chloride solution was investigated using phosphonium ionic liquid Cyphos IL 104. Comparative conditions were investigated for analyzing better results with the presence of organic extractant such as Cyanex272, D2EHPA in the batch experiments. The experiment design was carried out based on the central composite design principles to analyze the relationships between the responses and the significant parameters. The obtained data revealed that the quadratic equation has good desirability to predict the extraction percentage. Investigation of the extraction process showed that the ionic liquid Cyphos IL104 has selective power in the extraction of europium and the efficiency is higher than the organophosphorus extractants. Accordingly, optimum conditions for maximum removal of europium ions were obtained equal to 5.5, 1, 16 min, and 0.008 M for feed acidity (pH), phase ratio, time, Cyphos IL 104 concentration. Examination of binary systems of rare earth elements showed that ionic liquid had positive and negative effects on the separation factor. The high efficiency of ionic liquid in the reuse condition indicated that the system is appropriate from an economic perspective.