Abstract
The extraction behavior of rare-earth elements on silica gel impregnated with petroleum sulfoxide (PSO) from an aqueous NH4SCN solution was systematically investigated. With a batch method, the distribution ratios and separation factors of rare-earth elements in this medium were determined. The composition of the extracted complex was determined by a slope analysis as being (PSO)3RE(SCN)Cl2. Through the IR spectra it was proved that the oxygen atom of the >S=O group in PSO coordinates the rare-earth element to form the extracted complex. The standard enthalpy (ΔH°RE) in the process of PSO-extraction of rare-earth elements was measured; ΔH°RE indicated that the distribution process of the rare-earth element between the PSO-silica gel stationary and NH4SCN mobile phases is an exothermic process. Moreover, the stabilities of the extracted complexes are discussed in terms of Δ(ΔG°)Ln/Y, the relative standard free energy of complex formation (ΔG°Ln-ΔG°Y). The quantitative separation of yttrium from lanthanides has been achieved by this method, which was also used in an analysis for yttrium in the Jiangxi ionic-type rare-earth ores of China.