Liquid-liquid extraction of rare earth elements using systems that are more environmentally friendly : advances, challenges and perspectives.
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Date
2022
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Abstract
The rare earth elements, a group of metals consisting of the lanthanide series, together with yttrium and scan-
dium, are increasingly important in high technology industries worldwide. Given the need to expand production
of these elements, there is a search for processes to obtain them that are less environmentally damaging, since the
rare earths production chain is associated with several environmental problems and concerns. Solvent extraction,
one of the important steps involved in the obtaining of rare earth elements, is receiving much attention in the
scientific and industrial community, with a renewed search for approaches that avoid the use of organic solvents.
Among the various options, cloud point extraction and the use of aqueous two-phase systems are alternatives to
the use of traditional organic solvents. This review considers these two more environmentally friendly techniques
and their use for the extraction and/or separation of rare earth elements. The issues addressed include their
potential to replace traditional liquid–liquid extraction, in terms of the efficiency, toxicity, and biodegradability
of the components forming the systems, as well as their potential applications and future perspectives.
Description
Keywords
Separation, Eco-friendly liquid–liquid extraction, Cloud point extraction, Aqueous biphasic system
Citation
NEVES, H. P. et al. Liquid-liquid extraction of rare earth elements using systems that are more
environmentally friendly: advances, challenges and perspectives. Separation and Purification Technology, v. 282, artigo 120064, 2022. Disponível em: <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S138358662101769X>. Acesso em: 11 out. 2022.