Solvent Extraction and Separation of Vanadium (V) from Multivalent Metal Chloride Solutions by Cyanex 923

Abstract

The solvent extraction behavior of vanadium (V) has been investigated using Cyanex 923 [trialkylphosphine oxide (TRPO)] in kerosene as an extractant. For comparison, extraction studies have also been carried out with vanadium (IV). The results demonstrate that vanadium (V) is extracted into the organic phase as VO2Cl·TRPO. On the other hand, vanadium (IV) is extracted into the organic phase as VOCl2·TRPO. The equilibrium constants of the extracted complexes have been calculated and found to be K ex,V(V) = 3.13 and K ex,V(IV) = 0.14 for vanadium (V) and vanadium (IV), respectively. IR spectral studies of the extracted complex were used to further clarify the nature of the extracted complex. The separation and recovery possibilities of vanadium (V) from other associated metal ions viz, magnesium (II), aluminum (III), titanium (IV), chromium (III), manganese (II), and iron (III), which are present in the waste chloride liquors of titanium minerals processing industry has also been discussed.