Solvent extraction and transport of rare earth metal ions using 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis (diethylcarbamoylmethoxy)-26,28-dihydroxy calix[4]arene

The solvent extraction of rare earth metal ions from nitrate solutions by 5 11, 17, 23-tetra-tert-butyl-25, 27-bis(diethylcarbamoylmethoxy)-26, 28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (L) in I,2-dichloroethane has been investigated The analysis of the extraction equilibrium obtained from a mixture of La3+, Eu3+ Er3+ and Y (3+) revealed that the extracted species have a I:I metal/ligand ratio. The intra-group separation efficiencies of the ligand have been evaluated in a competitive extraction and transport of II rare earth metal ions (La3+, Pr3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, Dy3+, Ho3+, Er3+, Yb3+ and Y3+). The transport experiment has been performed through a supported liquid membrane containing the ligand in o-nitrophenyl hexyl ether (NPHE). The distribution ratio and the flux of the ions generally increases as the atomic radii decrease.