Separation of rare earth ions (RE3+) from aqueous solution is a tricky problem due to their physicochemical similarities of properties. In this study, we investigate the influence of the functionalized ligands on the adsorption efficiency and selective adsorption of La3+, Nd3+, Gd3+ and Y3+ from aqueous solution using Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with citric acid (CA@Fe3O4 NPs) or L-cysteine (Cys@Fe3O4 NPs). The microstructure, thermal behavior and surface functionalization of the synthesized nanoparticles were studied. The general adsorption capacity of Cys@Fe3O4 NPs was found to be high (98 mg g (1)) in comparison to CA@Fe3O4 NPs (52 mg g (1)) at neutral pH 7.0. The adsorption kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption of RE3+ ions follows a pseudo second-order model and the adsorption equilibrium data fits well to the Langmuir isotherm. Thermodynamic studies imply that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. Controlled desorption within 30 min of the adsorbed RE3+ ions from both Cys@Fe3O4 NPs and CA@Fe3O4 NPs was achieved with 0.5 M HNO3. Furthermore, Cys@Fe3O4 NPs exhibited a higher separation factor (SF) in the separation of Gd3+/La3+, Gd3+/Nd3+, Gd3+/Y3+ ions compared to CA@Fe3O4 NPs. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.