Electrochemical elution of a cation-exchange polymeric resin for yttrium and rare earth recovery using a statistical approach

Electroelution of loaded polymeric resins immersed in aqueous solutions con sists of the removal of metal ions adsorbed to the resin using an anode and cathode set connected to a power supply of a regular electrolysis cell. Ex perimental results for yttrium and rare earth recovery using electroelution of a cation-exchange polymeric resin IR-120P (Rohm & Haas-USA) in chloride medium are presented in this work. In yttrium and rare earth case, there w as no metal deposition on the cathode. The resin was loaded with leach liqu or from the metallurgical processing of a Brazilian xenotime ore. The optim um experimental conditions determined by statistical procedures were 53 deg reesC, 32.6 A m(-2) and 417 g L-1 HCl for maximum yttrium recovery (22.5%) while for maximum erbium elution (49%), they were 60 degreesC, 32.6 A m(-2) and 417 g L-1 HCl. The maximum terbium (35.3%) and dysprosium (56%) recove ry could be achieved at the following conditions: 52 degreesC, 1.08 A m(-2) and HCl 403 g L-1. The chemical elution contribution to the elements' reco very by electroelution was insignificant. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.