Reduction of Yb(III) to Yb(II) to separate Yb from other lanthanides

The electrolytic reduction of Yb(III) to Yb(II) using a Pb cathode was performed in various media. The effects of the medium, current and pH on the formation of Yb(II) were studied. The best experimental conditions for the reduction of Yb(III) to Yb(II) and the subsequent precipitation of YbSO₄ were found to be ~0.11M YbCl₃*6H₂O in 1.1 ethanol dioxane, direct current of -20 mA and a pH of approximately 2.0, followed by precipitation with 3.0M (NH₄)2SO₄ Under these conditions, a maximum of 30% of the Yb(II) could be removed from the system.