Trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium bromide as extractant for Rh(III), Ru(III) and Pt(IV) from chloride solutions

Ruthenium, rhodium and platinum are the most expensive of noble metals. As their natural sources are limited, it is important to develop an effective process for recovering Rh, Ru and Pt from waste sources. Their main suppliers are the following industries: chemical (spent catalysts), automotive, jewellery, dental and petrochemical. This paper presents studies on the extraction of Rh(III), Ru(III) and Pt(IV) from model aqueous chloride solutions using trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium bromide (Cyphos IL 102). The effects of different parameters such as the influence of shaking time, HCl and NaCl concentrations in the feed solutions and also Cyphos IL 102 concentration in the organic phase, on the extraction of these metal ions were investigated. Additionally, the effect of the ageing of Rh(III) and Ru(III) chloride solutions on the extraction of these metal ions was studied.