Fundamental study on multistage extraction using TDdDGA for separation of lanthanides present in Nd magnets

Sasaki, Yuji  ; Morita, Keisuke ; Matsumiya, Masahiko*; Ono, Ryoma*; Shiroishi, Hidenobu*

The separation of Dy from Nd is studied from the viewpoint of recycling Dy from Nd magnets. Both metals are lanthanide elements, which means their mutual separation is difficult because of their similar chemical behaviors. All lanthanide elements can be extracted easily by using tetradodecyl-diglycolamide (TDdDGA) extractants, and it has a relatively high separation factor (SF) between Dy and Nd (SF over 10). In the present study, by performing eight extraction steps with the organic phase (0.1M TDdDGA in dodecane), ten steps with an aqueous phase (0.7 M HNO with metals), and six steps with another aqueous phase (0.7 M HNO without metals), approximately 99% Dy was recovered into the organic phase with 1% co-extraction of Nd.