Effect of ligand alkyl chain length on lanthanide extraction using liposomes incorporating diglycolamic acid

This study introduces an environmentally benign liposome-based extraction system that selectively separates and recovers lanthanides (Ln) without requiring an organic solvent. Recovery of Ln, particularly from high-level radioactive liquid waste streams, is critical for resource utilization and reducing long-term radiotoxicity. The proposed system incorporates highly Ln-selective diglycolamic acid (DGAA) ligands into phospholipid liposomes. Fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that europium (E