Solvent extraction of metals using LIX26 extractant

Solvent extraction of some selected metals from an aqueous buffered solution by LIX26 extractant has been studied. The pH_1/2 values (at which 50% of metal ion is extracted) for extracting different metals by 1 v/v% LIX26 extractant in methyl isobutyl ketone have been obtained. The order of extraction of metals by LIX26 extractant as a function of pH_1/2 value is Pd(II)<Cu(II)<Sb(III)<Fe(II)<Co(II)<Zn(II)<Ni(II) <Pb(II)<Mn(II)<Cd(II).     

Identification of Components of Commercial Alkylsalicylaldoxime Based Reagents by GC–MS

A simple gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC–MS) method for the identification of components present in alkylsalicylaldoximes based metal extractants LIX860, LIX622, LIX622N, Acorga PT5050 and Acorga P5100 is described. These reagents have been developed for removing copper in hydrometallurgical processes. The extractants were analyzed by GC–MS in the Full Scan mode without any derivatization step. 5-Nonylsalicylaldoxime in the extractants LIX622N, Acorga PT5050 and Acorga P5100 and 5-dodecylsalicylaldoxime in the extractants LIX622 and LIX860 were found to be present as a mixture of alkyl isomeric compounds. The extractant Acorga P5100 also contains a large amount of p-nonylphenol isomers whereas LIX622, LIX622N and Acorga PT5050 contain tridecyl alcohol isomers. In addition, the presence of small amounts of alkylphenol isomers was detected in all LIX reagents. The GC–MS study has revealed that the major fragmentation ions of the alkylsalicylaldoximes can be classified into two types: the molecular ion less C _n H_2n+1 and the molecular ion less C _n H_2n+1 and water. Cleavage of the benzylic bond predominates, resulting in the base peak. The identified compounds have been classified in different types that show different base peaks and the possible structures of the alkyl groups based on the substitution of the alpha-carbon are proposed.     

Sulfonamide mit heterocyclischen Substituenten als Extraktionsmittel für Kupfer(II)

Sulfonamides with Heterocyclic Substituents as Extractants for Copper(II) With 2-picolylbenzenesulfonamide (N2NHO₂SC₆H₅) as a model of the technical extractant LIX 34, the influence of functional variations on the extraction of copper(II) is studied and estimated by a comparison of the pH_1/2 values. The relation pH_1/2～–σ_p is observed for extractants with substituents in p-position of the benzene ring. Turning to 2-pyridylethylbenzenesulfonamide, which forms six-membered rings, an increase of pH_1/2 is observed. But no direct comparison is possible with 2-pyridylbenzenesulfonamide as the copper(II) complexes are dimeric having a structure analogous to copper(II) acetate. The substitution of the methylene group by an SO₂–(PSA? H) or an NH-residue (PTSH? H) is connected with an with an increase of pH_1/2 in the first case, but a decrease of pH_1/2 in the second one (7,2₅ and 2,7₀). The application of PTSH? H as an extractant for copper(II) is confined by a slow redox reaction with this ion. π-electron delocalization within the chelate rings, which are derived from sulfonylhydrazones of heterocyclic ketones, is a factor which, in general, improves the extraction properties. There is a strong differentiation of PH_1/2 (APSH? H 1,4; BBSH? H 6,9). An increase of the tetrahedral distortion of the chromophore CuN₄, as it is indicated by ESR, measurements, is connected with a decrease of pH_1/2. The benzenesulfonyl group influences the copper(II) extraction by bidentate nitrogen containing ligands in a twofold may: The protonation of the pyridyl and also that of other heterocyclic residues is rendered more difficult, but NH-acidity is increased. Some of the new extractants (APSH? H, BPSH? H) are as active as LIX reagents.     

Liquid-liquid extraction of molybdenum(VI) and uranium(VI) by LIX 622

The order of extraction of Mo(VI) from 1M acid solutions by 5% (v/v) LIX 622 (HL) in benzene is HCl>HNO₃>HClO₄>H₂SO₄, and extraction decreases with increasing concentration of HCl and H₂SO₄, and increases slightly with increasing concentration of HNO₃ and HClO₄. The extracted species is shown to be MoO₂L₂ as established by IR data of organic extracts and the extracted species in the solid form. Extraction is almost quantitative at and above 10% LIX 622, and is found to be independent of [Mo(VI)] in the range of 10^–4 to 10^–3 M. The diluents CCl₄, CHCl₃ and C₆H₆ are found to be superior to solvents of high dielectric constant for extraction of Mo(VI). Extraction of uranium(VI) by 10% (v/v) LIX 622 in benzene was found to increase with increasing equilibrium pH (3.0 to 6.0), and becomes quantitative at pH 5.9. Tributyl phosphate acts as a modifier up to 2% (v/v). Thorium(IV) is almost not extracted by LIX 622 or its mixture. Separation of Mo(VI) and U(VI) is feasible.     

Separation and Extraction of Uranium from Leach Liquor Containing Uranium and Molybdenum by Solvent Extraction with LIX 622N

The leach liquor (0.5 g/L Mo, 0.05 g/L U) obtained from the leaching process of molybdenum-uranium ore material was treated using solvent extraction to recover U(VI) by LIX 622N, which is a salicylaldoxime derivative. The influence of various basic variables such as pH, concentration of LIX 622N, temperature, different stripping reagents, phase ratio, and diluents was examined. Using 10% LIX 622N with the aqueous solution of equilibrium pH 6.0 and a phase ratio organic phase:aqueous phase (O:A) = 1:1, a two-stage McCabe-Thiele plot was constructed, which showed 99.9% of U extraction with no co-extraction of molybdenum. This was confirmed by a 6-cycle counter current simulation (CCS) study. The obtained data of temperature on the extraction of uranium showed that the extraction process is exothermic with enthalpy change of ?20.949 kJ mol^?1. The stripping of U(VI) was quantitative using 4 M H₂SO₄. The stable complex UO₂(HSO₄)R_org formed during extraction, which supports the cation exchange mechanism, and was confirmed by FTIR spectral analysis.      

LIX 84 as an extractant for throium(IV), uranium(VI) and molybdenum(VI)

The extraction order of Th(IV), U(VI) and Mo(VI) based on pH_0.5 values is Mo(VI)>U(VI)>Th(IV). Quantitative extraction has been observed for U(VI) by mixture of 10% (v/v) LIX 84 and 0.1M dibenzoylmethane at pH 4.2 and by mixture of 10% LIX 84 and 0.05M HTTA in the pH range 5.5–7.3 and for Mo(VI) by 10% LIX 84 from chloride media at pH 1.5. The order of extraction of Mo(VI) from 1N acid solutions is HCl>H₂SO₄>HNO₃>HClO₄ and extraction decreases very rapidly with increase in the concentration of HCl as compared to that from H₂SO₄, HNO₃ and HClO₄ acid solutions. The diluents C₆H₆, CCl₄ and CHCl₂ are found to be superior ton-butyl alcohol and isoamyl alcohol for extraction of Mo(VI). Influence of concentration of different anions on the extraction of U(VI) and Mo(VI) has been studied. Very little extraction has been observed in case of Th(IV) by LIX 84 or its mixtures with other chelating extractants or neutral donors.     

Preorganized, cone-conformational calix[4]arene possessing four propylenephosphonic acids with high extraction ability and separation efficiency for trivalent rare earth elements

p-t-Octylcalix[4]arene with tetraphosphonic acid at lower rim in cone conformation has been designed and synthesized as a new extraction reagent to investigate the extraction behavior of the nine trivalent rare earth elements: La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Ho, Y, and Er. The extraction of rare earth metals with the present extractant occurs by a simple ion-exchange mechanism. The stoichiometry of the extractant to rare earth metal ion was determined to be 2:1 based on the extraction equation, half pH values, pH_1/2, and the difference in the values of the extraction equilibrium constants of nine trivalent rare earth elements and separation factors between adjacent rare earth elements. This allowed for comparison of the estimated extraction efficiency and selectivity. The present extractant exhibited extremely high extractability and sufficiently high separation efficiency of rare earth metals, compared with calix[4]arene tetraphosphonic acid at upper rim, calix[4]arene tetraacetic acid at lower rim as previously reported and the commercial extraction reagent. This results was attributed to size and multidentate effects based on the preorganized cyclic structure of calix[4]arene and to the original selectivity of functional group for heavier rare earth elements.     

Correlation of the extraction constant values of Cu(II) by 5-dodecylsalicylaldoxime from phosphoric acid media

The equilibrium constant values of copper(II) extraction from phosphoric acid media by LIX 622 (67.7% 5-dodecylsalicylaldoxime, Cognis Ireland) taking into account the formation in the organic phase of the complex CuL₂, HL being 5-dodecylsalicylaldoxime, at different ionic strengths have been calculated. Elmore's model has been considered for the speciation of the aqueous phase. A new approach for the calculation of the activity coefficient of H₂PO₄⁻ has also been proposed. The extraction equilibrium constant values obtained at the different ionic strengths have been successfully correlated considering the activity coefficients of the species in solution as well as the release of water molecules in the extraction process. The extraction constant value at infinite dilution of the complex CuL₂ is also reported.     

Demetalization of oils resulting from recycled tires by liquid-liquid extraction using modified superheated water An environmentally friendly approach

An approach based on continuous pressurized liquid-liquid extraction with 20% HNO₃/1 M KCl/10⁻³ M EDTA as extractant has been developed for the extraction of metals from the oil resulting from recycled tires. A multivariate optimization of the main variables affecting the extraction process has been performed. The method has been applied to three oil samples with different contents in V, Ni, Zn, Fe and Cu. The target metals have been determined in both untreated and treated oil by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) in order to obtain the extraction efficiency. Under the optimum conditions, recoveries higher than 90% have been obtained with a repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility, expressed as relative standard deviations, ranging from 2.75 to 6.91 and 2.97 to 8.16%, respectively. For applications where the demetalization does not require being complete, a study of the demetalization degree achieved depending on the extraction temperature and extractant composition has also been performed. This study provides useful data about the cheapest working conditions to be used in order to obtain a given demetalization level.     

Performance Evaluation of Nickel Separation and Extraction Process from Simulated Spent Cr/Ni Electroplating Bath Solutions by ELM Process Using LIX63 and PC88A

The study was conducted to investigate synergistic extraction of nickel from simulated spent Cr–Ni electroplating bath solutions by emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) process using 5,8-diethyl-7-hydroxydodecan-6-one oxime (LIX 63) and 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (PC88A) as carriers. The importance of ELM composition and the properties of simulated spent electroplating bath solution have been optimized to synergistically extract nickel. The important parameters affecting the nickel extraction efficiency and ELM stability, such as acid concentration, stripping solution type and concentration, extractant concentration, surfactant concentration, and phase ratio, were experimentally studied. Along with obtained results, higher than 99% of nickel was selectively extracted within 30 minutes from simulated electroplating bath solutions that their metal concentrations was in the range of 100–500 mg/L. in the optimum conditions. The higher separation factor value of nickel over chromium (β_Ni/Cr) was obtained as 898. As a result, the nickel extraction kinetic was found to depend on PC88A, since extraction mechanism of PC88A is slower than that of LIX63. So, the combined use of LIX63 and PC88A improved the selective extraction of nickel in that process.     

Solvent extraction of rare-earth metals with bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphinic acid

 The extraction behavior of tervalent rare-earth metals (Ln) using a heptane solution containing bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphinic acid (PIA-8, HR) from 0.1 mol/dm³ sodium perchlorate media was studied. The pH_0.5 values and separation factors obtained were compared among the metals. The stoichiometry of the extracted species and the extraction constants for the present aqueous/heptane system were determined by slope analysis. It is demonstrated that the rare-earth metals were extracted as monomers LnR₃⋅mHR (m=3, 4, 5 or 6), and the extracted species could be stripped into a relatively low concentrated hydrochloric acid. PIA-8 was found to be the most selective extractant for the mutual separation of rare-earth metals among the other phosphinic acids reported. Received: 27 February 1996/Revised: 13 May 1996/Accepted: 21 May 1996     

Extraktion von 3d-Metallionen mit zweizähligen Sulfonamiden. I. Liganden mit Schwefel bzw. heterocyclisch gebundenem Stickstoff als zweitem Haftatom

Extraction of 3d-Metal Ions by Bidendate Sulfonamides. I. Ligands with Sulfur or Heterocyclic Nitrogen as a Second Donor Atom The properties of 2-acetylpyridine-p-toluensulfonylhydrazone (APSH - H), arensulfonylthioureas (I), and the esters of arensulfonylmonothiocarbamic acid (II) or arensulfonyldithiocarbamic acid (III) as extractants for the late 3d-metal ions are proved. APSH-H is comparable to the proprietary extractant LIX 34. But, because of the special structure of the corresponding 1,2-chelates, the pH_1/2-values of nickel(II) and cobalt(II) are ≈2 units lower. The pK_s-values, measured in dioxane-water mixtures (75 per cent v/v), increase in the order III < II < I. In aqueous solutions compounds of type III are acids of medium strength. In the case of compounds of type I the substituents of the non-sulfonated nitrogen have a strong influence on the pK_s-values (ΔpK_s = 4.6). Among the late 3d-elements, the ligands II and III extract only copper(II) (pH_1/2 ～2.7 or ～1.6), the ligands I extract zinc(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) as well, but not iron(II) and iron(III). The reasons of this unique behaviour are discussed.     

Solvent extraction of Ni(II) from sulfate solutions with LIX 84I: flow-sheet for the separation of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II).

This paper reports on solvent-extraction studies of Ni(II) from sulfate solutions with LIX 84I (2-hydroxy-5-nonylacetophenoneoxime) as the extractant. The extraction of metal depends on the equilibrium pH of the aqueous phase and the extractant concentration. The transfer of metal follows a cation exchange-type mechanism: Ni2+ + 2HA --> NiA2 + 2H+. Extraction varies with the nature of the diluents. Temperature has no effect on the extraction of metal. The extraction behavior of associated metals clearly demonstrates the application of LIX 84I as the extractant for the separation of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II). Based on the results, a flow sheet of the process was developed.     

A Study on the extraction of uranium(VI) from sulphate leach liquor using LIX63

The sulphate leach liquor obtained from the sulphuric acid leaching process of Egyptian monazite was treated using solvent extraction to recover U(VI) by LIX63. The influence of various basic variables such as pH, concentration of LIX63, temperature, different stripping agent, phase ratio and diluents was examined. Using 10% LIX63 with the aqueous solution at equilibrium pH 5.5 and a phase ratio A/O?=?1/1, a four-stage McCabe-Thiele plot was constructed, which showed 85.57% of U(VI) extraction. The thermodynamic data showed that the extraction process is exothermic with enthalpy change ΔH?=???43.866?kJ/mol, the stripping of U(VI) was quantitative using 4?M HNO₃. The stable complex UO₂(HSO₄)R_org formed during extraction which supports the cation exchange mechanism was confirmed by FTIR spectral analysis. Uranium cake was finally obtained from the strip solution by the addition of hydrogen peroxide and ammonium hydroxide as precipitating agents, and a workable flowsheet was then formulated.     

Studies on Acoustic Behavior, Viscosity, and Density of Some Commercial Extractants and Their Molecular Interaction with Diluent, Modifier, and Extractant

Acoustical and viscosity measurements have been made for binary liquid mixtures of commercially available solvent extractants, LIX reagents such as LIX 622 and LIX 860 in benzene, amyl alcohol, and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) at 303.15 K. The measured values of ultrasonic velocity, density, and viscosity have been utilized to compute some acoustic as well as thermodynamic parameters such as intermolecular free length, L _f, isentropic compressibility, _s, molar volume, V, and Gibb's excess free energies of activation of viscous flow, G*^E. These parameters along with the derived values of isentropic compressibility, _s ^E, intermolecular free length, L _f ^E, and molar volume, V ^E, have been utilized for a comparative study of molecular interactions between the components present in different liquid systems. The experimental ultrasonic velocities for aforementioned mixtures have been compared with theoretically estimated velocities using different empirical relations, and the relative merits of these theories and relations have been discussed in terms of percentage variation.     

The extraction of uranium(VI), americium and europium by LIX 64 and by a mixture of LIX 64 and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide

The extraction of U(VI), Eu and Am by the aromatic main component (HA) of LIX 64N dissolved in toluene was studied at pH 3–9. The values of pH_1/2 for the extraction with 0.146 M HA are 4.0, 5.5 and 5.2, and the pH's of maximum extraction are 6.0, 6.8, and 7.0 for U(VI), Eu and Am, respectively. The stoichiometry of the extracted chelates determined by the slope analysis is UO₂A₂ and MA_3–nY_n (n=1,2) for Eu and Am, the ligand Y being probably the nitrate anion. The addition of tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) enhances the extraction of U(VI) and especially of Eu at pH<6. An Eu chelate species solvated by 2 TOPO molecules is extracted at pH 4 by the mixture of HA+TOPO, whereas the species extracted at pH 6.5 is not solvated by TOPO.     

pHstatvs. single extraction tests to evaluate heavy metals and arsenic leachability in environmental samples

Here we compared the pH_stat test, which examines the leachability of major elements (Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, and Mn), dissolved organic carbon, and trace elements (Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, and As) in a wide pH range, with single extraction tests based on the use of mild extractants (calcium chloride, acetic acid or EDTA). For this purpose, we examined samples from a variety of environmental conditions (sludges, mineral soils, organic soils, and soils with particulate and/or soluble contamination). Extraction yields obtained with CaCl₂ (0.01 mol L⁻¹) and CH₃COOH (0.43 mol L⁻¹) correlated well with those from the pH_stat at the same pH (r = 0.98 and 0.95, respectively), while the use of EDTA (0.05 mol L⁻¹) led to systematically higher extraction yields than those quantified with the pH_stat at the same pH. However, the pH_stat test had three distinct advantages: (1) it revealed the relationship between the solubility of the main soil phases and pH; (2) it showed the variation in pollutant leachability due to changes in pH; and (3) it better predicted the maximum contaminant availability. Thus we propose that the pH_stat is the best laboratory tests to evaluate the contaminant leachability over a wide range of sample types (soil, sludge, and sediment).     

Competitive solvent extraction of alkaline earth metals by ionizable nano-baskets of calixarene

The competitive solvent extraction of alkaline earth metals using different nano-baskets was investigated. The novelty of this work is to study the correlations between the isomer structure of calixarenes and their extraction properties. The objective was to quantify the effects of aryl groups in the ionisable pendant moieties, calixarene conformation, steric orientations (cis- and trans-) and relative positions (ortho- and para-) of pendant moieties upon the extraction efficiency, pH_1/2 and the selectivity of calix[4]arene complexes. Alkaline earth metals were extracted from aqueous solutions into chloroform by di-ionisable calix[4]arenes and were measured using ion chromatography. The results revealed that alternation of aryl group in the pendant moieties, changing their orientation from cis- to trans-analogues as well as from ortho- to para- analogues, showed no changes in the selectivity, the extraction efficiency and the pH_1/2 of calix[4]arene complexes. Changing the scaffold of calixarene's ring to the cone, 1,2-alternate and partial-cone conformers altered their complexation ability towards alkaline earth metals and their extraction efficiency.     

Solvent Extraction Separation of Th(IV) and U(VI) with PC-88A

Liquid-liquid extraction of Th(IV) and U(VI) has been investigated by commercial extractant PC-88A in toluene. The optimum conditions for extraction of these metals have been established by studying the various parameters like acid concentration/pH, reagent concentration, diluents and shaking time. The extraction of Th(IV) was found to be quantitative with 0.1–1.0M HNO₃ acid and in the pH range 1.0–4.0 while U(VI) was completely extracted in the pH range 1.0–3.5 with 2.5·10^–2M and 2.·10^–2M PC-88A in toluene, respectively. The probable extracted species have been ascertained by log D-log C plot as ThR₄·4HR and UO₂R₂·2HR, respectively. The method permits separation of Th(IV) and U(VI) from associated metals with a recovery of 99.0%.