Adsorption of rare earth elements by strong acid cation exchange resin thermodynamics, characteristics and kinetics

The equilibrium and kinetic characteristics of rare earths adsorption process using the strong acid macro reticular resin Dowex 50X8 from EI-Erediya chloride liqueurs have been determined. The adsorption parameters including pH, contact time, temperature, resin to aqueous ratio and rare earths initial concentration in aqueous have been optimized. The practical adsorption capacity of rare earths upon the resin under the optimum conditions has been found to attain 80 mg/g which matches with Langmuir theoretical capacity. The physical parameters including the adsorption kinetics, the isotherm models and the thermodynamic data have also been determined. The adsorption process has been found to agree with both the pseudo second order reaction, the Langmuir isotherm and confirms with the concept of the matrix diffusion controls. A successful preconcentration process for the rare earths content was done with a preconcentration factor of about 42.33. Considerable rare earths cake was precipitated from the chloride eluate solutions using oxalic acid.