PROCESS FOR EXTRACTION AND SEPARATION OF RARE EARTHS BY SPLIT-ANION EXTRACTION WITH IONIC LIQUIDS

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The present Invention relates to a new solvent extraction process for the extraction of rare earths as a group and for the separation of a mixture of rare earths into the individual elements. The rare earths are extracted from a feed solution containing anions that form weakly extracting complexes such as chloride or sulfate salts to an organic phase through complex formation with anions present exclusively In the organic phase, The organic phase comprises a water-immiscible ionic liquid with nitrate or thiocyanate anions. In addition to the ionic liquid, the organic phase can also contain a neutral extractant. The rare earths can easily be stripped as chloride or sulfate salts from the loaded organic phase.