Isolation of Rare-Earth Elements from Mixtures of Calcium and Lanthanide Oxalates

The temperature regions for separate crystallization of rare-earth element (REE) oxides of the cerium group in the presence of CaCO₃ have been determined using X-ray diffraction, differential thermogravimetric analysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence. The possibility to separate REE oxides from CaCO₃ in H₂SO₄ solutions after heat treatment (450–600°C) has been studied. The solid phase of the precipitate is represented by slightly soluble calcium sulfate, whereas the REE oxides pass into the liquid phase in the form of highly soluble sulfates. After heat treatment of the test mixture of REE oxalates and calcium oxalate at a temperature higher than 750°C, calcium compounds pass into 1–2% HNO₃ liquid phase in the form of nitrates, whereas lanthanide oxides remain in the insoluble phase of REE oxide solid solution having CeO₂ structure.     

Synthesis of hierarchical macro/mesoporous dicalcium phosphate monolith via epoxide-mediated sol–gel reaction from ionic precursors

Starting from calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl₂·2H₂O), phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) dissolved in a mixture of water and methanol (MeOH), dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA, CaHPO₄) monoliths with co-continuous macropores and mesopores have been synthesized by the addition of propylene oxide. Macropores are formed as a result of phase separation, while mesopores as interstices between primary particles with the size of ca. 30 nm. Propylene oxide acts as a proton scavenger and leads to moderate pH increase in a reaction solution, which brings about gelation in several minutes. On the other hand, PAA acts as a crystal growth inhibitor as well as a phase separation inducer. The extensive crystal growth of DCPA is hindered by the addition of PAA which allows morphological control of the structure in micrometer range. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicates that PAA and DCPA form composite via interaction between the carboxyl groups and the surface of crystals, and together form gel phase. The solvent phase, which is converted to macropores after evaporative drying, is mainly comprised of solvent. The degree of supersaturation in a reaction solution considerably influence on the crystallization process, and thereby, influences on the porous structure in nano- and micrometer ranges.     

The Production of Calcium Phosphate from Natural Raw Material Using Liquid-Phase Process with Recycle

Abstract

The graphic investigation of basic equilibrium systems CaO-P₂O₅-H₂0, CaO-P₂OH₂0-HA (HA: HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄) was carried out. The conditions of the preparation of mono-, dicalcium phosphate and mixtures by crystallization and separation of the crystals from the mother liquid which is circulated during the stage of phosphate rock acid decomposition, were found. The equilibrium study of these systems, which had technological admixtures (MgO, R₂O₃), the chemism and kinetics of the interaction of the phosphate rock with the mixture of the phosphoric acid and mother liquor and calcium phosphate crystallization were investigated. This investigation made it possible to work out the scheme of the process with liquid recycle for the production of calcium phosphonates. According to this scheme, phosphate rock is processed by phosphoric acid and mother liquid mixture at 40–80°C for 30–60 min. As the liquid phase has a high activity, the yield of the phosphate rock decomposition achieves 98–1009. Monocalcium phosphate formed with insoluble mixtures or pure monocalcium phosphate is separeted by crystallization and filtration after preliminary separation of mixtures (1). The process with recycle was tested in laboratory using various natural phosphate rocks with a range of P₂₅O content within 14,5–39,4%. The product (monocalcium phosphate contains 26–54% P₂°5, depending on the quality of the phosphate rock and the process organization. The amount of P₂°₅ extraction from the phosphate was nearly quantitative in all cases.     

A Study of Viscosity in the Extraction System Constituted by Tributyl Phosphate and Phosphoric Acid

Data on the kinematic viscosity of phosphoric acid solutions in technical-grade tributyl phosphate and in an industrial extract from a technological purification system based on tributyl phosphate, which contain 0–18% phosphoric acid in terms of P₂O₅, at 10–70°C are presented.     

Thermal behavior and phase transformations of nanosized carbonate apatite (Syria)

The phase transformations of Syrian phosphorite upon mechanochemical activation are examined in the present work. The latter is carried out in planetary mill equipped with 20 mm steel milling bodies and duration from 30 to 300 min. The established by means of DTA, DTG, TG analyses transformation of non-activated carbonate fluorine apatite type B into the carbonate hydroxyl fluorine apatite (COHFAp) mixed type A2-B leads to substantial changes in the properties of the activated samples expressed in lowering the degree of crystallinity, strong defectiveness of the structure, and increase of the citric solubility. The thermal analysis gives evidence for the decomposition of the carbonate-containing component within the phosphorite, as from the positions placed in the vicinity of the hexagonal 6₃ axis (type A2), as well as from the positions of the phosphate ion (type B), and from the free carbonates. The data from the thermal analysis, the powder X-ray analysis and the infrared spectroscopy give also evidence for phase transformations of the activated apatite (with admixtures of quartz and calcite) into Ca₁₀FOH(PO₄)₆, β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂, Ca₄P₂O₉, Ca₃(PO₄)₂ · Ca₂SiO₄ and for that one of the quartz—into larnite and wollastonite. The influence of the α-quartz as a concomitant mineral is considered to be positive. The α-quartz forms Si–O–Si–OH bonds retaining humidity in the solid phase thus facilitating the isomorphous substitution OH^? → F^? with the subsequent formation of partially substituted COHFAp. Calcium silicophosphate and Ca₄P₂O₉ are obtained upon its further heating. The presented here results settle a perspective route for processing of low-grade phosphate raw materials by means of tribothermal treatment aiming at preparation of condensed phosphates suitable for application as slowly acting fertilizer components.     

Synthesis and characterization of uranium bromide phosphate UBrPO4·2H2O and uranium hydroxide phosphate U(OH)PO4

Uranium chloride phosphate tetrahydrate UClPO₄·4H₂O was obtained by mixing uranium (IV) hydrochloric solution and concentrated phosphoric acid [1]. From crystal structure studies its formula was determined as dihydrate [2]. Using the same method, i.e. starting from uranium (IV) hydrobromic solution and H₃PO₄, two crystal forms of a new compound, uranium bromide phosphate UBrPO₄·2H₂O were synthesized. Their XRD patterns, UV-visible and infrared spectra are presented in this paper. The hydrolysis process of the chloride and bromide phosphates leads to the amorphous uranium hydroxide phosphate U(OH)PO₄·6H₂O.     

Acid Dissociation Constants and Rare Earth Stability Constants for DTPA

Diethylenetriamine-N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) is an octadentate aminopolycarboxylate complexing agent whose f-element complexes find important practical applications in nuclear medicine and in advanced nuclear fuel reprocessing. This investigation focuses primarily on the latter application, specifically on characterization of lanthanide–DTPA complexes of relevance to the Trivalent Actinide–Lanthanide Separations by Phosphorus reagent Extraction and Aqueous Komplexants (TALSPEAK) process. To function acceptably, the TALSPEAK process requires the presence of moderate concentrations (0.5–2.0 mol·L^?1) of a (Na⁺/H⁺) lactate (or citrate) buffer. Competition between DTPA, lactate, and the extractant bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) for the lanthanides and trivalent actinides governs the course of the extraction process. To facilitate modeling and to support process improvements, the acid dissociation constants and stability constants for rare earth complexes with DTPA have been determined in 2.0 mol·L^?1 ionic strength (NaClO₄) media. The acid dissociation constants for DTPA and the stability constant for [Eu(DTPA)]^2? also were determined in sodium trifluoromethanesulfonate at 2.0 mol·L^?1 ionic strength to evaluate the potential impact of changing the nature of the electrolyte. The thermodynamic data are compared with earlier reports of similar data at lower ionic strength and used to complete calculations exploring the relative stability of lanthanide–DTPA and lactate complexes under TALSPEAK extraction conditions. Lanthanide–DTPA stability trends are discussed in comparison with literature data on a variety of other metal ions.     

Crystallization kinetics of calcium carbonate at a stoichiometric ratio of components

The formal kinetics of calcium carbonate crystallization in aqueous solutions is studied at a stoichiometric ratio of Ca²⁺ and CO₃^2- ions. The kinetics of the process was monitored by convenient and reliable methods (complexometric analysis for calcium in an aqueous solution and energy dispersive and microscopic measurement of solid particle sizes). The effect the temperature and degree of supersaturation have on the periods of induction and mass crystallization and the equilibrium concentration of calcium ions in solution is estimated at continuously controlled pH and solution ionic strength. The kinetic parameters (n, k, τ_1/2, E_a) of calcium carbonate crystallization are calculated. It is shown that calcium carbonate with a calcite structure formed at a stoichiometric ratio of reagents, and changes in the temperature (25–45°C) and the solution’s degree of supersaturation (2–6) within the considered range had no effect on the characteristics of the solid phase.     

Effects of several lanthanide trichloride hydrates on the melting behavior and spherulitic superstructure of poly(ethylene oxide)

Binary mixtures of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with the trichloride hydrates of lanthanum, cerium, europium, terbium, and ytterbium have been studied with calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. Melting‐point depression of the PEO‐rich phase occurs in all cases. At sufficiently high concentrations of the low molecular weight lanthanide complex, crystallization of the polymer is absent. The lighter lanthanides with larger ionic radii, such as lanthanum and cerium, are more effective in suppressing PEO crystallization from solution or the molten state because they are more oxophilic. The spherulitic superstructure of PEO disappears at rather low concentrations of the lanthanide salts, between 2 and 8 mol % Ln³⁺. Lanthanum and terbium are most efficient at disrupting the formation of PEO spherulites, and europium is least efficient. Infrared spectroscopy identifies twisting and wagging vibrational absorptions of CH₂ groups in the polymer that are sensitive to the morphologies of these mixtures. Modifications of the PEO infrared absorbances in the presence of these five lanthanide salts correlate more closely with the presence or absence of major PEO melting, not the formation of a spherulitic superstructure. The phase behavior is rather simple, with no evidence of eutectic solidification upon cooling from the molten state. Multiple melting endotherms are observed in the differential scanning calorimetry heating traces of binary mixtures containing 8 mol % Yb³⁺ and between 10 and 20 mol % Eu³⁺, but the concentration dependence of these first‐order endothermic transitions is not characteristic of eutectic phase behavior. The presence of trivalent cations, such as Eu³⁺ or Yb³⁺, in these complexes perturbs the crystallization kinetics of PEO upon cooling from the molten state, as well as the melting behavior upon heating. Ion–dipole or electrostatic interactions between the lanthanide cation and the ether oxygen of PEO might alter the surface free energy at the periphery of the crystalline lamellae and perturb the chain‐folding characteristics of PEO. Consequently, coupling between the amorphous matrix and the PEO crystallites is strengthened, and this provides stability for the existence of multiple‐chain‐folded crystals composed of rather thin lamellae that could be responsible for multiple melting behavior. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 2200–2213, 2003     

Investigations on the process of dissolution and transformation of chloropinnoite in boric acid aqueous solution at 303 K by kinetics and Raman spectroscopy

Kinetics of dissolution and transformation of chloropinnoite (2MgO·2B₂O₃· MgCl₂·14H₂O) in 4.5% (wt%) boric acid aqueous solution at 303 K had been studied, and the kinetic process and mechanism were investigated by the Raman spectroscopy. According to the kinetic curve, the process of dissolution and phase transformation can be divided into three stages: dissolution stage, phase transformation induction period, and crystallization stage. The experimental results showed that when chloropinnoite dissolved in boric acid aqueous solution, MgCl₂ was removed and midproduct (MgB₂O(OH)₆·H₂O) dissolved at the same time, which was different from that of in water. Kurnakovite was a final product. The experimental data of the crystallization process have been fitted with the following mathematical modification with the aid of simplex optimum method and Runge–Kutta digital solution of differential equation system: ?dc/dt = 6.31(c?0.3906)² + 0.975(c?0.3906). Based on our experimental results and the Raman spectroscopy, kinetics and mechanism of dissolution, phase transformation, and crystallization of borate in chloropinnoite–boric acid water system are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 136–143, 2006     

State of phosphorus in sorbents based on titanium and zirconium phosphates from 31P NMR spectroscopy data

A ³¹P NMR method has been used to study sorbents based on titanium and zirconium phosphates synthesized by bulk mixing the reagents and treatment of x-ray amorphous TiO₂, rutile and ZrO₂ by phosphoric acid. In the bulk titanium and zirconium phosphates the phosphorus occurs in four different states, phosphate groups bonded through cross-linking oxygen atoms with one, two, and three atoms of the metal and molecules of phosphoric acid trapped in the matrix of the sorbent in the synthesis process. It is established that the method of grafting the phosphate groups to the surfaces of the hydrated TiO₂ and ZrO₂ is determined by the crystalline and chemical properties of the surfaces.Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Éksperimental'naya Khimiya, Vol. 24, No. 5, pp. 633–636, September–October, 1988.     

Thermochemical behaviour of lanthanum complexes of 2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid

The thermochemical behaviour of solid-state complexes of lanthanum with mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (H₂B) (La(HB)₃·1.5H₂O and La₂B₃·3H₂O) was studied. The thermal decomposition of these complexes proceeds without melting to yield La(PO₃)₃ and a mixture of La(PO₃)₃ and LaPO₄, respectively. La(HB)₃1.5H₂O decomposes via dehydration (323–383 K), condensation of the OH-groups with formation of a diphosphate structure (383–458 K) and a stepwise degradation of the hydrocarbon chains (443–565 K). The dehydration of La₂B₃·3H₂O (333–433 K) is followed by decomposition of the hydrocarbon group. From a combination of the present results with previous data [1], it was concluded that the temperatures and mechanisms of the decomposition of the hydrocarbon part of the lanthanide complexes of (2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acids depend on the nature of the lanthanide, the atmosphere, and the structure of the complexes.     

Structural and surface heterogeneity of phosphorus-containing polyimide-derived carbons: effect of heat treatment temperature

Phosphorus-containing carbons have been obtained by carbonization of porous copolymer of 4,4′-bis(maleimidodiphenyl)methane (50 mol%) and divinylbenzene (50 mol%) in presence of phosphoric acid at temperatures 400–1000 °C. Porous structure was analyzed by nitrogen adsorption isotherms while surface chemistry was investigated by potentiometric titration method. It has been shown that carbons obtained at 500–1000 °C are micro-mesoporous with pore sizes of 1–1.1, 2–3 and 5.4 nm. The most developed porosity was achieved at 600 °C reaching BET surface area 890 m²/g and total pore volume 0.45 cm³/g. Carbons obtained by carbonization of polyimide precursor in presence of phosphoric acid showed acidic character with 30–40 % of phosphate surface groups. Maximum total amount of acidic surface groups was achieved at 800 °C reaching 3.2 mmol/g. Assignment of strongly acidic surface groups to phosphates was corroborated by pK value, phosphorus content and thermal gravimetric analysis.     

A calcium-sensitive microelectrode suitable for intracellular measurement of calcium(II) activity

A calcium-selective microelectrode with a l-μm diameter tip suitable for impaling single neurons has been developed. The electroactive material is di[p-(1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-butyl) phenyl] phosphoric acid (t-HDOPP). The selectivity coefficients are about 5 · 10^-7 for k_Ca,K, 1–4·10^-7 for k_Ca,Na, and 10^-3 for k_Ca,Mg. Values reported previously for other calcium-selective electrodes based on long-chain phenylphosphoric acids are given for comparison. The calcium-selective microelectrodes have a linear response in 0.2 M KCl solutions over the range 10^-2–10^-XXX M CaCl₂; 10^-7 and 10^-8 M CaCl₂ solutions containing 0.2 M KCl can be detected but the response is not linear.     

Nature of influence exerted by Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>SiF<Subscript>6</Subscript> on REE recovery from orthophosphoric acid solution in the course of CaSO<Subscript>4</Subscript>·0.5H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O crystallization

Chemical and X-ray phase analyses were used to study the influence exerted by Na₂SiF₆ on the isomorphic inclusion of cerium into the structure of CaSO₄?0.5H₂O precipitates formed from solutions of phosphoric acid hemihydrate (38 wt % P₂O₅). The poorly soluble suspensions of CaSO₄?0.5H₂O precipitates can serve as adsorbents for cerium compounds, with CaSO₄?0.5H₂O–NaCe(SO₄)₂?H₂O and CaSO₄?0.5H₂O–CePO₄?0.5H₂O solid solutions formed. The introduction of Na₂SiF₆ makes the sorption properties CaSO4?0.5H2O several times better because the Na₂SiF₆ phase is a source of sodium cations and creates the necessary Na: Ce ratio of 1: 1 for extracting cerium from the liquid phase into a precipitate in the form of a CaSO₄?0.5H₂O–[NaCe(SO₄)₂?H₂O + CePO₄?0.5H₂O] solid solution. Under the industrial conditions in which extraction phosphoric acid is manufactured, a similar isomorphous capture of rare-earth elements of the cerium group (La–Sm) may occur in joint precipitation of CaSO₄?0.5H₂O and Na₂SiF₆.     

Phase equilibria in the Na,K,Mg,Ca∥SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>,Cl–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O system at 50°С in the polyhalite crystallization region

Phase equilibria of the Na,K,Mg,Ca||SO₄,Cl–H₂O system at 50°С in the polyhalite (K₂SO₄ · MgSO₄ · 2CaSO₄ · 2H₂O) crystallization region were studied using the translation method. Polyhalite was found to be involved, as an equilibrium phase of the title system at 50°С, in 17 invariant points, 36 monovariant curves, and 24 divariant fields. A fragment of equilibrium phase diagram of the title system in the polyhalite crystallization region was constructed.     

Preparation and characterization of polybenzimidazole membranes prepared by gelation in phosphoric acid

Phosphoric acid doped poly (2, 2′‐(m‐phenylene)‐5, 5′‐bibenzimidazole) (PBI) membranes were prepared by dissolving PBI powders in 85% phosphoric acid at 190–200°C and then promoting gelation of the PBI by cooling the solutions to ?18°C. The extent of acid doping of the PBI membranes was controlled by immersing the membrane in aqueous phosphoric acid solutions of different concentrations (acid de‐doping). The process of the acid de‐doping was faster than acid doping of membrane cast from N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc). The de‐doping process caused shrinkage of the PBI membrane and thus an increase in the membrane strength due to the packing of PBI chains according to the X‐ray diffraction analysis. The tensile stress and proton conductivity of the obtained PBI membranes with different acid doping levels were measured. For a PBI (η_IV: 0.58 dL · g^?1) membrane with an acid doping level of 7.0 (molar number of doped acid per mole repeat unit of PBI), the stress at break and proton conductivity at 120°C without humidification were 2.6 MPa and 5.1 × 10^?2 S · cm^?1, respectively. These results were comparable to those of the membranes cast from PBI solutions in DMAc. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Photoluminescence of Lanthanide Coordination Polymers with 4‐Acetamidobenzoate

The reactions of Ln(NO₃)₃ · 6H₂O and 4‐acetamidobenzoic acid (Haba) with 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bpy) in ethanol solution resulted in three new lanthanide coordination polymers, namely {[Ln(aba)₃(H₂O)₂] · 0.5(4,4′‐bpy) · 2H₂O}_∞ [Ln = Sm ( 1 ), Gd ( 2 ), and Er ( 3 ), aba = 4‐acetamidobenzoate]. Compounds 1 – 3 are isomorphous and have one‐dimensional chains bridged by four aba anions. 4,4′‐Bipyridine molecules don’t take part in the coordination with Ln^III ions and occur in the lattice as guest molecules. Moreover, the adjacent 1D chains in the complex are further linked through numerous N–H ··· O and O–H ··· O hydrogen bonds to form a 3D supramolecular network. In addition, complex 1 in the solid state shows characteristic emission in the visible region at room temperature.     

Synthesis of hydroxyapatite by using calcium carbonate and phosphoric acid in various water-ethanol solvent systems

The purpose of the present study is to synthesize hydroxyapatite by using CaCO₃ and H₃PO₄ in various water-ethanol solvent systems. It was observed from experiments that formation of ammonium phosphate compounds hindered the formation of calcium phosphates in ethanol medium. Although the reactivity was better in aqueous medium, the carbonate contents of the products obtained were above 8.5%. Best results with a carbonate content as low as 3.82% was obtained in 50% ethanol containing mixed-aqueous medium at 80°C and the FTIR analysis showed that the product was a carbonated apatite with a calculated composition of 14CaO·4.2P₂O₅·CO₃·7.2H₂O. The amorphous and porous phosphate compound obtained with a BET surface area of 106.6 m² g⁻¹ seems to be useful as adsorbent in wastewater treatment. Upon sintering of the amorphous product at 750°C, crystalline hydroxyapatite with a BET surface area of 25.9 m² g⁻¹ is obtained that may be used in biomedical applications.      

Extraction of Lanthanide Nitrates in Multicomponent Aqueous-Organic Two-Phase Systems with D2EHPA

Lanthanum nitrate distribution in three-component aqueous-organic systems with D2EHPA from acetate or acetic acid–acetate solutions has been studied, it has been shown that variation in sodium acetate concentration or composition of CH₃COONa–CH₃COOH mixture can affect metal distribution ratios. It has been found that extraction in three-component mixture of 1: 1: 1 composition (aqueous solution Ln(NO₃)₃ + CH₃COONa + CH₃COOH–D2EHPA in hexane–isopropyl alcohol) can provide lanthanide separation, which is dependent on the ratio of sodium acetate and acetic acid in aqueous phase and on D2EHPA concentration in organic phase. Lanthanide–lanthanum separation factors have been calculated for the extraction of lanthanide nitrates from acetic acid–acetate solutions.