Partitioning behavior and mechanisms of rare earth elements during precipitation in acid mine drainage

Li, Qi; Ji, Bin; Honaker, Rick; Noble, Aaron; Zhang, Wencai

doi:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.128563

Partitioning behavior and mechanisms of rare earth elements during precipitation in acid mine drainage

Journal Article · Wed Feb 09 23:00:00 EST 2022 · Colloids and Surfaces. A, Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.128563· OSTI ID:1976985

Li, Qi ^[1]; Ji, Bin ^[2]; Honaker, Rick ^[3]; Noble, Aaron ^[2]; Zhang, Wencai ^[2]

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA (United States); OSTI
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA (United States)
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (United States)

Rare earth elements (REEs) are frequently found concentrated in acid mine drainage (AMD). The recovery of REEs from AMD has been successfully achieved using selective chemical precipitation. However, a portion of the REEs is often lost to the precipitates of the dominant metal contaminant ions. To better understand the REE partitioning behavior and mechanisms during the precipitation process, a systematic study was performed on both natural and synthetic AMD solutions. Precipitation test results show that REE removal was noticeably elevated at pH 4.0 after adding H₂O₂ to convert ferrous to ferric ions, causing nearly complete precipitation of iron. Solution equilibrium calculations suggested that the REE removal increase was realized through adsorption onto the surfaces of the ferric precipitates. The presence of aluminum species in the solutions reduced the adsorption of REEs on the ferric precipitates. Based on electro-kinetic test results, it was concluded that aluminum species neutralize the negative surface charge of the ferric precipitates and compete with REEs for the adsorption active sites. The presence of ferrous ions in the solutions reduced REE adsorption on the aluminum precipitates at lower pH values (e.g., 5.0) due to competitive adsorption. However, at higher pH values (e.g., 6.0), REE removal to the precipitate product increased due to the precipitation of ferrous ions. Additionally, to the electro-kinetic tests and solution equilibrium calculations, mineralogy characterization, specific surface area measurement, particle size analysis, and morphology analysis were also conducted to investigate and identify the partitioning mechanisms.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (United States); Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)

Grant/Contract Number:: FE0031827

OSTI ID:: 1976985

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1845566
OSTI ID: 2479159
OSTI ID: 2479175

Journal Information:: Colloids and Surfaces. A, Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, Journal Name: Colloids and Surfaces. A, Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects Journal Issue: C Vol. 641; ISSN 0927-7757

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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