A comparative study of mutual separation characteristics for binary mixed oxides Y2O3–Ln2O3 (Ln=Sc, La, Nd and Sm) using stepwise chlorination–chemical vapor transport reaction mediated by vapor complexes LnAlnCl3n+3

Abstract Mutual separation characteristics for binary oxide mixtures Sc 2 O 3 –Y 2 O 3 , Y 2 O 3 –La 2 O 3 , Y 2 O 3 –Nd 2 O 3 and Y 2 O 3 –Sm 2 O 3 using a stepwise chlorination–chemical vapor transport (SC–CVT) reaction have been investigated. The total transported yields of the chlorides produced from the oxide mixtures is in the order of YCl 3 >NdCl 3 >SmCl 3 >LaCl 3 >ScCl 3 , the main deposition temperature of the chlorides is in the increasing order of ScCl 3 3 ≈SmCl 3 3 3 , and the largest separation factor values of 29.9 for Y:Sc, 84.5 for Y:La, 9.09 for Nd:Y and 2.46 for Sm:Y were observed, respectively. The results were discussed on the difference of Sc and Y on the one side and lanthanides (La, Nd and Sm) elements on the other hand. Furthermore, the selective chlorination characteristics of binary oxide mixtures were studied compared with that of the pure rare earth oxide.