Deep eutectic solvents
are a new class of green solvents that are
being explored as an alternative for used nuclear fuel and critical
material recycling. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding
metal behavior in them. This paper explores the underlying chemistry
of rare-earth elements in choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents
by using a multi-technique spectroscopic methodology. Results show
that speciation is highly dependent on the choice of the hydrogen-bond
donor. Collected EXAFS data showed Ln
3+
coordination with
ethylene glycol and urea in their respective solvents and coordination
with chloride in the lactic acid system. Generalized coordination
environments were determined to be [LnL
4–5
], [LnL
7–10
], and [LnL
5–6
] in the ethylene
glycol, urea, and lactic acid systems, respectively. Collected UV/vis
spectra for Nd
3+
and Er
3+
showed variations
with changing solvents, showing that Ln–Cl interactions do
not dominate in these systems. Luminescence studies were consistent,
showing varying emission spectra with varying solvent systems. The
shortest luminescent lifetimes were observed in the choline chloride–ethylene
glycol deep eutectic solvent, suggesting coordination through O–H
groups. Combining all collected data allowed Eu
3+
coordination
geometries to be assigned.