Recovery of targeted ytterbium ions from chloride mineralization fluids using phosphate polymeric networks

Abstract

Numerous specialized scientific initiatives are underway to extract rare earth elements from natural sources using new, easily manufactured, environmentally benign methods that possess favorable economic implications. Monosodium phosphate (MSP) and disodium phosphate (DSP) were produced as effective sorbents for Yb³⁺ ions following gamma irradiation of a mixture containing acrylic acid, dimethyl allyl ammonium chloride, and monobasic and dibasic phosphate salts. The chemical and physical properties of the two phosphate compounds have been thoroughly characterized and validated by several techniques, including EDX, SEM, FT-IR, and TGA–DTA. The investigation of the adsorption coefficients of ytterbium ions indicated that the peak adsorption was 90 mg g⁻¹ for mono-phosphate compounds and 95 mg g⁻¹ for di-phosphate compounds. Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses validated the chemical characteristics of the adsorption reactions of Yb³⁺ ions on the functional groups present on the adsorbent surfaces, demonstrating the spontaneity and endothermic nature of the adsorption processes.