Magnetic resonance imaging: an innovative approach to observe rare metal extraction using ionic liquid.

In the present work, a novel approach has been made to evaluate the extraction mechanism of neodymium (Nd) using trihexyl-tetradecyl-phosphonium benzoate (TTPB) ionic liquid through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. A detailed study on the interactions between the extractant (Nd) and the ionic liquid (IL) is presented. The H NMR spectral analysis confirmed that Nd extraction took place through the benzoate anion.