Electrochemically Modulated Extraction of Neodymium

The separation of lanthanides and actinides using the liquid-liquid extraction technique poses a major challenge due to the chemical similarities of the two groups of metals. Hence, interest exists in devising a technique to improve the separation factor. The use of an imposed external field (electrochemical) to improve the liquid-liquid extraction has been explored in the literature with limited success due to conductivity issues. In this work, the use of reverse micelle solutions containing water/AOT-HDEHP/n-dodecane for improved electrical conductivity will be explored. The results of a feasibility study of electrochemical modulation of neodymium extraction using the reverse micelles/microemulsions will be presented.

Electrochemical impedance technique was used to determine the effect of molar content of water, W_o, on the reverse micelle solution conductivity. The distribution ratio of Nd in an electrochemically modulated liquid-liquid extraction containing reverse micelles will also be presented. The mechanism of electrochemical modulated liquid-liquid metal ion extraction will be explored.