The solvent extraction of cerium(III) from its sulfuric solution with di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid diluted by kerosene was investigated. Initially, a survey was conducted in order to identify the conditions influencing the solvent extraction process. Extractant concentration in the organic phase, organic phase to aqueous phase ratio, temperature, pH, and contact time were identified as important factors. Among these factors, the temperature and contact time were found less effective in comparison to other factors. Thus, a contact time of ten minutes for the two phases at room temperature of 298 K was chosen for all experiments. Design expert software was employed for designing the experiments, investigating the effects of the factors on the solvent extraction, statistical analysis, and obtaining the optimal values of the factors. It was established that the factors influencing the solvent extraction, except extractant concentration and organic phase to aqueous phase ratio, were independent and have no interaction on each other.
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