Hello,
I am conducting a study on the recovery of rare earths from WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). Rare earths are contained in fluorescent powders of these devices. The recovery occurs by means of an acid leaching. I have a problem: the silica contained in the powders (arising from a grinding system) in acid solution leads to the formation of stable complexes with the rare earths of interest, which precipitate thereby decreasing the yield of leaching. How can I remove silica from the acid solution? (I'm following the way of the use of polyelectrolytes, without good results).
Thanks in advance
Domenico Romilio