Enrichment method for trace amounts of rare earth elements using chemofiltration and XRF determination

A preconcentration method for subsequent determination of rare earth elements (REE) by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry was developed. The method is based on using (o-3,6-disulfo-2-hydroxy-1-naphthylazo]-benzenearsonic acid) (Thorin) as a complexing agent which is retained on a polyamide membrane by a chemofiltration process. The pH dependence of the chemofiltration of these metal ions on the membrane and other variables, such as flow-rate, contact time, kinetic of complex formation, etc. were determined. The membrane containing the chemofiltrate formed a thin film, which eliminated the interelemental effects when measured by XRF. The detection limits were 23, 23 and 49 ng/mL for Sm(III), Eu(III) and Gd(III), respectively. High enrichment factors were obtained. The method was successfully applied to the preconcentration of Sm(III), Eu(III) and Gd(III) from different samples. Received: 8 March 2000 / Revised: 9 May 2000 / Accepted: 15 May 2000