Extraction of europium from nitrate solutions in the presence of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and characterization of the products of pyrolysis of extracts

The extraction of europium by neat benzene and benzene solutions of tributyl phosphate (TBP) and benzoic acid (BA) was studied in the presence of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (THMAM). Based on europium distribution in these extraction systems in combination with the IR and luminescence spectra of extracts, we infer that well-extractable europium complexes with THMAM are formed. We demonstrate that introduction of THMAM into aqueous nitrate solutions considerably enhance europium extraction. The compositions are determined and some magnetic properties of pyrolysis products of extracts are studied.