Abstract: The disclosure describes a method of extraction for optimal recovery of rare earth elements (REE). This includes the optimization of a liquid-liquid extraction technique for economic extraction of REE from chemically complex brines. Through the use of a model, operating conditions are altered to increase separation efficiency. The technique achieves >98% recovery of all rare earth elements in one fraction, while using small volumes of sample and reagents. The method of the present invention recovers REE from previously unexploited waste streams, without need for development of new process equipment and while keeping a small footprint because of the volumes involved.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the design and synthesis of selected ligands, dendrimers, polymers and other solid phase substrates for selective chelation of rare earth elements (i.e. lanthanides), and use of those selective ligands for synthesis of resins, polymers and other types of solid supports for separation and recovery of lanthanides from aqueous media. Recovery of critical elements from aqueous media occurs in a simple two-step process: pre-concentration of REE on the adsorbent and recovery by acid elution. The present invention can be used for design of selective ligands immobilized on solid substrates for extraction of various constituents, such as lanthanides, actinides, radionuclides, trace metals, etc., from aqueous media.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method of extraction for optimal recovery of rare earth elements (REE). This includes the optimization of a liquid-liquid extraction technique for economic extraction of REE from chemically complex brines. Through the use of a model, operating conditions are altered to increase separation efficiency. The technique achieves >98% recovery of all rare earth elements in one fraction, while using small volumes of sample and reagents. The method of the present invention recovers REE from previously unexploited waste streams, without need for development of new process equipment and while keeping a small footprint because of the volumes involved.