Efficient separation of europium by solvent extraction using bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate

Efficient separation of europium (Eu) from aqueous solution is pivotal for the sustainable development of nuclear industry and rare earth industry. In this work, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (P204) was employed to separate Eu(III) by solvent extraction method using kerosene as diluent. The extraction equilibrium could reach within 30-min contact time. The extraction ratio enhanced as the increased O:A phase ratio, extractant concentration, and temperature. However, the HCl introduction caused its clear descent. Combined with the slope method and FT-IR analysis, extraction mechanism could be unveiled, which is the coordination between P=O double bond and Eu(III) ions in a proportion of 3:1.