Abstract
Solvent extraction of molybdenum from various acid media by Alamine 336, Aliquat 336, TOPO, and DEHPA in kerosene was studied. The extraction efficiency of molybdenum by diisobutyl ketone (DIBK), the effects of various parameters like diluents, mineral acids, extractant concentration, and applications of these extractants on molybdenum extraction contained in the uranium-bearing ore solutions were investigated. DIBK used as solvent can indeed extract the molybdenum without adding any extractants in the range of 20-50 mg/L. Molybdenum was extracted by Aliquat 336 in all mineral acids at more than 90%. On the basis of slope analysis, the compositions of the extracted species were expressed by R$_{3}$NH$^{+}$.${{HMoO}}_{{4}}^{{-}}$, MoO$_{2}$(NO$_{3})_{2}$(DEHPA)$_{2}$, and H$_{2}$MoO$_{4}$.TOPO. Extraction from synthetic solutions showed that molybdenum was extracted by TOPO, Aliquat 336, and Alamine 336 at 99% until [Mo] $=$ 5 g/L. For DEHPA the percentage of extraction was decreased from [Mo] $=$ 2 g/L. The application of these extractants for the extraction efficiency of molybdenum contained in uranium-bearing solutions showed that TOPO, Aliquat 336, and Alamine 336 extracted the molybdenum beyond 60% until the fifth contact. As for DEHPA, it was extracted effectively only at the first contact by 66%.
Highlights
The Republic of Niger exploits uranium deposits in a wet way through two mining companies
The case of molybdenum was illustrated in Akouta using the MoCa process, a process developed between the Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission and Orano. 1,2 This process is based on liquid-liquid extraction, called solvent extraction, the extraction mechanisms of which differ according to the nature of the extractant and the interactions created during the transfer of the metal from the aqueous phase to the organic phase
We focused on the liquid-liquid extraction of molybdenum by Alamine 336, Aliquat 336, di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid (DEHPA), and trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO)
Summary
The Republic of Niger exploits uranium deposits in a wet way through two mining companies. This hydrometallurgical process allows to purify and concentrate the uranium from deposits ranging in thickness from 1 to 10 m and from 0.2% to 0.6% in uranium content. Confined in uranium ore, vanadium, zirconium, and molybdenum are troublesome elements for the Republic of Niger, which prefers to valorize uranium. The recovery of these impurities can be profitable if the content of the metal is significant. 1,2 This process is based on liquid-liquid extraction, called solvent extraction, the extraction mechanisms of which differ according to the nature of the extractant and the interactions created during the transfer of the metal from the aqueous phase to the organic phase. Three types of extraction are conventionally distinguished: cation exchange extraction, anion exchange extraction, and solvation extraction. 3−5
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