Dysprosium sorption by polymeric composite bead: robust parametric optimization using Taguchi method.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Rare earth elements are critical for modern technologies.
• Efficient and selective recovery methods are needed to address supply chain challenges.
• Polyethersulfone (PES) beads offer a promising matrix for encapsulating extractants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate polyethersulfone-based beads for rare earth recovery.
• To investigate the sorption behavior and percentage recovery of Dysprosium(III) (Dy(III)).
• To identify optimal process parameters for enhanced Dy(III) recovery using the Taguchi method.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of polyethersulfone beads encapsulating di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid.
• Investigation of Dy(III) recovery and sorption under various experimental conditions.
• Application of the Taguchi method (L-18 orthogonal array) for parameter optimization.
• Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine influential process parameters.

Main Results:

• Feed concentration of Dy(III) significantly impacts equilibrium sorption capacity.
• Aqueous phase acidity is the most critical factor for percentage recovery.
• Composite beads with polyvinyl alcohol and multiwalled carbon nanotube showed uniform extractant distribution.
• Optimized conditions led to enhanced Dy(III) recovery and sorption capacity with minimal deviation.

Conclusions:

• PES-based beads are effective for Dy(III) recovery from aqueous media.
• The Taguchi method successfully identified optimal conditions for maximizing recovery and sorption.
• Material modifications enhance the performance of the extraction beads.