Model studies on the separation of Ca2+ and Nd3+ ions using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

Studies on the separation of calcium and neodymium ions by using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (H(4)EDTA) as a complexing agent were performed. This research was undertaken due to the possibility of H(4)EDTA applying to isolate rare earth elements from the solution after acidic leaching of phosphogypsum, and because of the similarity of coordination properties of calcium and lanthanides ions. The experiment was carried out in model systems containing Ca2+ and Nd3+ ions in hydrochloric or sulphuric acid. The content of calcium and neodymium metals, phase composition and thermal behaviour of the obtained products were determined by ICP-OES, FTIR, XRD and TG/DTA techniques. During the separation process, the precipitates of a light pink colour were obtained. The obtained results show that the neodymium ethylenediaminetetraacetate has been successfully formed and that the isolation of neodymium ions was more efficient in chloride medium. The precipitate included 72.2 and 3.9% of the starting amount of neodymium and calcium used in the experiment, respectively. However, in sulphates medium, these amounts were equal to 73.8 and 53.5%, respectively. Moreover, the obtained powder was polluted with sulphates. The addition of the EDTA in an excess (15%) contributed only to an increase in calcium content in the complex.