Removal of phosphorus-based extractant contamination from lutetium oxalate produced by precipitation stripping
Smith PM., Schweitzer GK., McLain S.
The extent of phosphorus based extractant contamination and its removal in a lanthanide oxide was analyzed. The oxide was produced by calcination of lanthanide oxalate precipitated directly from a kerosene solution of mono-2-ethylhexyl-2(2-ethylhexyl) phosphonic acid using a saturated aqueous solution of oxalic acid. The organic phase was loaded with lutetium by mixing equal volumes of organic phase and an aqueous lutetium nitrate solution. Results indicated that vigorous stirring for an extended time in 1-propanol or 2-propanol was found to be the best method for reducing phosphorus contamination.