Separation of elements using polyoxometalates and cations

Abstract

A method includes forming a solution comprising a solvent and at least two elements selected from: scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), one or more lanthanides, and one or more actinides. The method includes adding an effective amount of at least one polyoxometalate for forming complexes with at least one of the elements and adding an effective amount of a cation for causing precipitation of at least some of the complexes of one of the elements. Substantially all of another of the elements remains in solution during the precipitation of the at least some of the complexes of the one of the elements. A kit includes a polyoxometalate, a cation, and instructions for adding effective amounts of the polyoxometalate and the cation for separating at least two elements selected from the group consisting of: scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), one or more lanthanides, and one or more actinides via a precipitation reaction.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.