Separation of yttrium(III) from iron(III) through liquid membrane impregnated with di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid

The selective transport of yttrium(III) in the presence of iron(III) through a supported liquid membrane (SLM) has been investigated by using di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (DEHPA) as a mobile carrier. Yttrium(III) with fast kinetics was preferentially transported from the feed solution of dilute acid into the product solution of 1M H2SO4, while most of iron(III) with slow kinetics remained in the feed solution. The effective separation of yttrium(III) from a large amount of iron(III) was accomplished by the selective transport of yttrium(III) through the SLM.