Solvent extraction separation of Zr and Hf from nitric acid solutions by PC 88A and its mixture with other extractants

• Published in: Metals and materials international Vol. 21; no. 1; pp. 166 - 172
• Main Authors: Wang, Lingyun, Lee, Hwayoung, Lee, Manseung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Seoul The Korean Institute of Metals and Materials 2015; Springer Nature B.V; 대한금속·재료학회
• Subjects: Cationic; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Engineering Thermodynamics; Hafnium; Heat and Mass Transfer; Machines; Magnetic Materials; Magnetism; Manufacturing; Materials Science; Metallic Materials; Nitric acid; Processes; Separation; Solid Mechanics; Solvent extraction; Zirconium; 재료공학; nitric acid; Zirconium; Solvent extraction; Hafnium; PC 88A
• ISSN: 1598-9623; 2005-4149
• DOI: 10.1007/s12540-015-1020-x

Solvent extraction for the separation of zirconium and hafnium from strong nitric acid solution has been investigated by using several organophosphorous acids (D2EHPA, PC 88A and Cyanex 272) and its mixture. Among the single extractants, PC 88A showed the best performance for the extraction and separation of the two metals. Mixtures of PC 88A with neutral, cationic and anionic extractants were tested in order to improve the separation between Zr and Hf. Mixtures of PC 88A with TBP or Versatic 10 or TOA did not show much influence on the extraction and separation of the two metals. Extraction efficiency of both Zr and Hf was markedly enhanced by using the mixture of PC 88A and TOPO. The mixture of PC 88A and LIX 63 led to synergism in the extraction of Zr, while antagonism occurred in the extraction of Hf. The highest separation factor of 46 was obtained from 2 M HNO 3 solution by the mixture of PC 88A and LIX 63.