Selective separation of rare-earth metal ions from aqueous solutions on the example of slightly soluble cerium and lanthanum compounds using electroflotation method in a flow-through plant

The prospects of the electroflotation method for selective separation of rare-earth metal ions (Ce4+ and La3+) from aqueous solutions in a flow-type plant are described. The separation process proceeds most effectively in sodium sulfate and sodium nitrate solutions at pH value of 5.0. The separation factor of metals is higher than 18. Separation efficiency drops sharply in the presence of cationic surfactant DDAC. The separation does not take place and a mixture of two metals is extracted at pH 10.