Optimization of synergistic extraction of neodymium ions from monazite leach solution treatment via HFSLM using response surface methodology

• HFSLM can successfully separate neodymium ions from monazite leach solution.
• Synergistic extraction of Nd3+ is significant using Cyanex 271 and TOPO.
• The extraction of neodymium ions reaching a maximum of 98% was observed.
• RSM was employed for optimization of synergistic extraction of neodymium ions.
• The highest fractional resistance was a chemical reaction.

The extraction of neodymium ions from monazite leach solution was achieved by synergistic extraction via hollow fiber supported liquid membrane (HFSLM). Applying the results from central composite design (CCD) experiments, further optimization experiments were carried out using response surface methodology (RSM). Validation tests revealed optimum performance at 0.1 M Cyanex 272 and 0.05 M TOPO, 4 M HNO3 as the stripping solution and flow rates of both feed and stripping solutions were 100 mL/min. The extraction of neodymium ions reached a maximum of 98%. Results indicated that the highest fractional resistance was a chemical reaction. This showed that mass transfer resistance due to chemical reaction was dominant for transport of neodymium ions through the hollow fiber supported liquid membrane system.

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