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A series of phosphonate-functionalized task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) have been synthesized and studied for selective extraction of tantalum from a sulfuric acid medium. The results described here show that high distribution coefficient values can be achieved for the selective separation of tantalum (Ta). Such a system can be used as an alternative to TBP for the separation and purification of tantalum by solvent extraction.

A novel family of ketone functionalized task specific ionic liquids (TSILs) was designed for the selective extraction of tantalum from sulfuric acid medium. We report the synthesis of functionalized hydrophobic ionic liquids based on piperidium, imidazolium or pyridinium cations bearing ketone moieties and their application in the liquid/liquid extraction of Ta(V). Recovery processes for Ta after extraction were performed and the recyclability of the TSIL was demonstrated. An eco-friendly process based on a TSIL was proposed for the extraction and stripping of tantalum from sulphuric acidic medium. Such system can be used as an alternative to the methyl-iso-butyl ketone (MIBK) which is the most commonly used extractant for the separation and purification of niobium and tantalum by solvent extraction.

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