Emulsion liquid membrane extraction of Ni(II) and Co(II) from acidic chloride solutions using bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid as extractant

Abstract

An emulsion liquid membrane process using bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) to extract and separate Ni(II) and Co(II) from acidic chloride solutions is described. Liquid membrane consists of a diluent, a surfactant (Span 80), and an extractant (D2EHPA). Hydrochloric acid was used as the stripping solution. The important parameters governing the permeation of nickel and their effect on the separation process have been studied. These parameters are stirring speed, feed phase pH, surfactant concentration, extractant concentration, stripping phase concentration, phase ratio, initial concentration of metal, and treatment ratio. The optimum conditions have been determined. The separation factors of Ni(II) with respect to Co(II), based on initial feed concentration, have been experimentally determined. Furthermore, the extraction selectivity for Co(II) over Ni(II) has been improved by using D2EHPA during the initial minutes.