Unusual complexation of nitrate with lanthanides in a wet ionic liquid: a new approach for aqueous separation of trivalent f-elements using an ionic liquid as solvent†
Abstract
The energetics of lanthanide nitrate complexation in a wet ionic liquid (IL; saturated with water as seen in the aqueous separation process) differs entirely from that in dry IL. A new approach to design more effective strategies for separation of actinides and lanthanides using an IL as a solvent has been revealed.