Extraction of rare earth elements using a chelating amino methyl phosphonic acid resin

Rare Earth Elements (REEs), critical to numerous modern industries, have been the subject of increasing attention. This investigation offers a novel approach to understanding the amino methyl phosphonic acid resin's efficiency in recovering Scandium (Sc), Lanthanum (La), Yttrium (Y), and Cerium (Ce) from both simulated and industrial wet process phosphoric acid (WPPA). A significant portion of the study emphasized a comparative examination of the resin's performance between these two environments. In the synthetic phosphoric acid, the resin exhibited rapid adsorption kinetics and optimal parameters were defined namely resin mass, contact time, acid concentration, initial REEs concentration, temperature, and desorbing agents. Conversely, in industrial WPPA conditions, the REEs adsorption declined due to its low pH, obstructive organic compounds, the interference of competing cations. Furthermore, the study confirmed that impurities present in industrial phosphoric acid are competitors against REEs for resin binding. Comprehensive characterization techniques were employed, shedding light on the interactions at play. Providing a comprehensive insight into the chemical mechanism governing the interaction between REEs and amino methyl phosphonic acid functional groups. This research not only elucidates the dynamics of REEs adsorption but also paves the way for refining processes in real-world industrial conditions, emphasizing the impact of impurities on the adsorption efficiency.