Study on the Elution Behavior of Rare Earth Elements by Cation Exchange Resin

Elution behavior of rare earth elements have been investigated with the EDTA solution as an eluent using cation exchange resin. Definite amount of the complexed rare earth ions at pH 8.4 is adsorbed through the cation exchanger containing cupric ion as a retaining ion and eluted with EDTA solution. The rare earth ions are eluted more rapidly in the above method than in the method in which uncomplexed rare earth ions are adsorbed on the cation exchange resin bed. In this method, the elution time and amount of eluent are saved but the resolution values also decreased a little. The elution order of complexed ion was determined in accordance with the stability constant of complexes with rare earth elements.