Towards clean sustainable yttrium separation strategy using hollow fiber renewal supported liquid membrane with [N1888][CA12]

Yttrium (Y) separation from Y-rich heavy rare earth groups is a complex challenge due to their similar physical and chemical properties. Conventional industrial separation processes require the use of complex and polluting techniques, thus highlighting the need for cleaner and more efficient methods for Y separation. In this study, a new method for separating Y from Y-rich heavy rare earth groups was developed using the hollow fiber renewal support liquid membrane (HFRLM) with an amine-group-functionalized ionic liquid ([N1888][CA12]) system, which eliminates the need for acids and bases during the extraction and stripping process. The high extraction efficiency and strong hydrophobicity of [N1888][CA12] enhances the stability and efficacy of the HFRLM . The optimal hydrodynamic conditions were achieved using a stripping solution of water, phase volume ratio of 4.8, NaCl concentration of 0.6 mol/L, [N1888][CA12]concentration of 0.4 mol/L, and flow rate of 350 mL/min. Moreover, a deionized water regeneration [N1888][CA12]-HFRLM method was established, and the system remained highly stable after five regenerations. Furthermore, the [N1888][CA12]-HFRLM system was evaluated for separating Y from Y-rich heavy rare earth groups, and it was found that the molar ratio of Y increased from 70.9% to over 98.4%.