# Efficient recovery of Y3+ from aqueous media using MDLM technique: transport behavior and kinetic modeling

## TL;DR

This paper presents a highly efficient method for extracting Y3+ ions from water using a Multi-Dropped Liquid Membrane system with optimized conditions.

## Contribution

The study introduces an optimized MDLM system with D2EHPA for efficient Y3+ ion extraction and provides insights into transport behavior and kinetics.

## Key findings

- Maximum transport efficiency of 99.90% for Y3+ ions was achieved at 0.0045 mol/L D2EHPA concentration.
- The shortest transport time of 120 min was observed at 0.0075 mol/L D2EHPA concentration.
- Low activation energy of 31.446 kJ/mol indicates diffusion-controlled transport of Y3+ ions.

## Abstract

This study investigates the extraction behavior of Y3+ ions using a Multi-Dropped Liquid Membrane (MDLM) system that employs di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as the carrier ligand. The focus is on the system’s ability to transport ions between aqueous phases selectively. The extracted complex was analyzed spectrophotometrically via ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) measurements after complexation with 0.05% Arsenazo III. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the optimum D2EHPA carrier concentration, together with the pH and temperature conditions of the donor and acceptor phases, on the system’s extraction performance. Accordingly, a series of extraction experiments was performed at different D2EHPA concentrations, pH values, and temperatures to assess their combined effects on transport kinetics. The MDLM system achieved a maximum transport efficiency of 99.90% for Y3+ ions at a D2EHPA concentration of 0.0045 mol/L, with a corresponding extraction time of 160 min. The shortest transport time of 120 min was observed at a carrier concentration of 0.0075 mol/L, confirming the strong influence of carrier concentration on extraction kinetics. The calculated low activation energy of 31.446 kJ/mol suggests that the transport of Y3+ ions through the MDLM system into the organic phase containing D2EHPA is diffusion-controlled.