Separation Coefficient Research Articles

A clean process for the recovery of rare earth and transition metals from NiMH battery based on primary amine and lauric acid

A novel rare earth separation system composed of lauric acid (LA) and primary ammonium (RNH2) was studied. Compared with individual LA and RNH2, the mixed extraction system can significantly improve the extraction and separation ability of rare earth (RE). When LA and RNH2 are mixed in an equal molar ratio, the synergistic coefficient for extracting Nd(III) in the system reaches 136.85. Effective separation of Nd from Co and Ni can be achieved, with the separation coefficients of 1503 and 2762 for Nd/Co and Nd/Ni, respectively. The ion association mechanism of developed extraction system can avoid the generation of saponification wastewater. Thus, the negative impact of saponification wastewater on the economy and environment can be reduced. The extraction system is simple to be prepared and easy to be stripped, which helps to reduce acid and alkali consumption. Application of this extraction system can effectively realize the separation of RE elements La, Ce, Pr, Nd and transition metals Co, Ni, Mn in nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery. This paper provides a new strategy for the development of ionic liquid saponification technology without saponified wastewater.

Clean and efficient recovery of gallium–indium alloy from gallium-based liquid metal waste using a two-stage vacuum distillation method

Gallium (Ga) and indium (In) are rare metals widely used in the high-tech industry. Gallium-based liquid metal (G-LM) waste is produced during the preparation of liquid metal and related products. G-LM waste is a potential source of gallium and indium. In this study, the saturated vapor pressure, separation coefficient, and gas–liquid equilibrium phase diagram were determined using the simplified molecular interaction volume model. A two-stage vacuum distillation method was used to recover Ga–In alloy from G-LM waste. First, low-temperature vacuum distillation was used to recover 98.23 % of Zn under optimal conditions (1–5 Pa; 773 K; 60 min). Then, the Ga–In alloy was recovered through high-temperature vacuum distillation. Under the optimal conditions (1–5 Pa; 1523 K; 120 min), the recovery rates of gallium and indium were 85.14 and 95.23 %, and the content of Ga–In alloy in the product was 99.46 %. Compared with the traditional hydrometallurgical process for recovering gallium and indium, this process generates no exhaust gas or waste. In addition, this new method is simple, efficient, clean, and pollution-free. Overall, this new method for recovering Ga–In alloy provides a new avenue for comprehensively utilizing G-LM waste.

A nested divide-and-conquer method for tensor Sylvester equations with positive definite hierarchically semiseparable coefficients

Abstract Linear systems with a tensor product structure arise naturally when considering the discretization of Laplace-type differential equations or, more generally, multidimensional operators with separable coefficients. In this work, we focus on the numerical solution of linear systems of the form $$ \begin{align*} & \left(I\otimes \dots\otimes I \otimes A_1+\dots + A_d\otimes I \otimes\dots \otimes I\right)x=b, \end{align*}$$where the matrices $A_{t}\in \mathbb R^{n\times n}$ are symmetric positive definite and belong to the class of hierarchically semiseparable matrices. We propose and analyze a nested divide-and-conquer scheme, based on the technology of low-rank updates, which attains the quasi-optimal computational cost $\mathcal {O}(n^{d}\log (n))$. Our theoretical analysis highlights the role of inexactness in the nested calls of our algorithm and provides worst case estimates for the amplification of the residual norm. The performances are validated on 2D and 3D case studies.

Highly effective quantum sieving of hydrogen isotopes on flexible metal-organic frameworks with mobile ligands

The separation of hydrogen isotopes is crucial in nuclear energy and biomedicine, but current techniques have limited separation coefficients. Utilizing flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with quantum sieving capabilities offers a promising solution. However, achieving high hydrogen isotope adsorption capacity while maintaining a high separation factor remains a challenge. This study presents a novel approach for the quantum sieving of hydrogen isotopes using MOFs with mobile ligands. The stable crystal structure of the microporous MOFs enables large hydrogen isotope adsorption capacity. The presence of mobile ligands acts as the gate in the dynamic adsorption and separation process, enhancing the performance of hydrogen isotope separation. The smaller quantum radius and larger molecular weight of deuterium facilitate its easier entry into the micropores, resulting in a maximum selectivity for D2 over H2 of 36.7 and a D2 uptake of 17.3 mmol g−1. Furthermore, the kinetic quantum sieving of hydrogen isotopes necessitates MOFs with mobile ligands that maintain their flexibility from 20 K to 70 K, as demonstrated by ultralow-frequency Raman spectra.

Amine-enriched Ti/SiOx framework fabricated via one-step photochemical synthesis for carbon dioxide adsorption and separation applications

The coordination environment encompassing the amine sites governs the stability of the adsorbent. In this work, an amine-enriched Ti/SiOx framework (OP-ATSO) was constructed through a one-step hydrolytic polymerization induced under ultraviolet irradiation in order to increase the amine content. Characterization results as well as CO2 adsorption and separation performance evaluation show that compared with the amine-functionalized Ti/SiOx (HT-ATSO) synthesized through conventional hydrothermal means followed by post-synthetic impregnation, OP-ATSO possesses more abundant amine sites on the framework, which in turn exhibits enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity, two-fold increase in CO2/N2 separation coefficient, and outstanding cyclic adsorption stability. The one-step photochemical synthesis procedure dramatically reduces the time and operating steps of material synthesis, concurrently eliminating liquid waste. This work provides a novel concept of developing superior sorbents with high CO2 adsorption performance.

Novel use for metal nanowires – synthesis, characterization and application of nickel and silver nanowires in the process of ethanol dehydration via pervaporation

In order to improve the separation properties of water/ethanol mixture, silver (Ag-NWs) and nickel nanowires (Ni-NWs) were used as a filler for alginate membranes. An effective separation of water from ethanol molecules was demonstrated using the unusual shape, size, quantity and properties of the nanowires. The synthesized nanowires were obtained by the polyol process (silver) and the reduction with hydrazine in an alkaline environment intensified by the action of an external magnetic field (nickel). To characterize the obtained nanowires and membranes, SEM, TEM, SQUID magnetometer and EDS measurements were performed. Moreover, the hydrophilicity of investigated membranes was measured using contact angle and degree of swelling. The explanation of the phenomena occurring during the permeation of water and ethanol molecules through the investigated membranes was performed according to the random walks simulation. The study shows that the efficiency of the process is related to the structure and hydrophilicity of the membranes, the formation of networks that facilitate the transport in the membrane and magnetic properties of the nickel nanowires. The highest value of the separation coefficient was obtained for the membrane filled with 50 mg (5 ml) of nanowires. In this case, flux and separation coefficient ​​were equal to 1.1 kg·m−2·h−1 and 878 for membranes with silver and 1.6 kg·m−2·h−1 and 1415 for nickel nanowires, respectively.

Simulating droplet distribution characteristics for sprinkler irrigation with a modified ballistic model

The ballistic model, with its high computational efficiency and small test workload, is an effective method to simulate the distribution of spray droplets. It can be employed to solve the problems of oversimplifying the droplet crushing process and motion shape and ignoring the droplet energy characteristics in the equivalent droplet indicator in the existing model assumptions. Based on the law of the motion of sprinkler irrigation water flow, the model assumption of continuous motion and segmental fragmentation of the jet is proposed in the current study. Ellipsoidal droplet shape parameters were introduced to construct the equations of the motion of sprinkler irrigation water flow in the jet and droplet stages, respectively. The critical conditions for large droplet separation and correction drag coefficient for small droplets are defined and solved, and the calculation formulas based on the energy-weighted equivalent droplet indicators were derived. The accuracy of the model was verified using 50PYC, ZY-2, and HY50 nozzles, and the modified model was compared with Fukui’s and Li’s models. The effects of working pressure, nozzle diameter, nozzle elevation angle, and installation height on the droplet landing distance, velocity, and angle at the end of the spray range were investigated. The results showed that: (1) The mean absolute error (MAE) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) of droplet landing distance, velocity, and angle under different working conditions simulated by the modified model were smaller than those obtained using Fukui’s and Li’s models, showing better simulation accuracy. Considering the simulated values of droplet landing distance, velocity, and angle of the 50 PYC nozzle (nozzle diameter of 22 mm and working pressure of 0.35 MPa) as an example, the accuracy of the modified model was improved by 72.86 % and 53.45 % (landing distance), 35.86 % and 70.57 % (landing velocity), 42.10 % and 67.66 % (landing angle) compared with the Fukui’s and the Li’s models, respectively. (2) Fukui’s and Li’s models demonstrate higher accuracy in simulating the droplet landing distance of the ZY-2 nozzle with a smaller nozzle diameter (7 mm) than in simulating the HY50 and 50PYC nozzles; (3) The changes in nozzle operating pressure, nozzle diameter, and nozzle elevation angle exert the greatest effect on the droplet landing distance, landing velocity, and landing angle, respectively. This study provides a novel idea for using the ballistic model to simulate the spray droplet distribution.

Removal of Aluminum from Synthetic Rare Earth Leach Solution by Selective Complexation and Turbidity Point Extraction

During the leaching process of ion-adsorbed rare earth ores, large amounts of non-rare earth impurities such as aluminum and iron will be generated. This study selected glutamic acid as a complex agent to selectively calculate aluminum ions; then, added non-ionic surfactants and extract and separate aluminum ions from a rare earth solution using the cloud point extraction method. The effects of solution pH, reaction temperature, equilibration time, amount of glutamic acid, reaction time, and amount of Triton X-114 on aluminum extraction were investigated. The results showed that with a Mglu:MAl ratio of 3:1, a solution pH of 4.5, a constant temperature of 40 °C, and the addition of 10 mL Triton X-114 after 10 min of reaction time, the single extraction efficiency of aluminum ions reached 78.01%, and the extraction efficiency of rare earths was only 5.09% after 10 min of equilibration time. The reaction equation of glutamic acid with aluminum ions was determined, and the lowest extraction concentration of aluminum ions in the glutamic acid complexation extraction solution was found to be cAl = 0.045 ± 0.003 g/L, with a separation coefficient of β(Al/RE) = 66.15. This result indicated that the aluminum ions in the mixed solution could be effectively separated from the rare earth ions when using glutamic acid as a complexing agent in combination with the turbidity point extraction method.

Self-cleaning MOF integrated membrane embedded with piezocatalytic Bi2WO6 nanocrystals for synergistic wastewater purification and dyes removal

The widespread application of high-performance separation membranes in sewage purification is limited by their permeability and membrane fouling. Herein, we report a method for growing CAU-17 MOF on the flexible polymer substrate and embedding piezoelectric Bi2WO6 (BWO) nanocrystals based on Bi ion sites. The integrated membrane inherits the hydrophilicity and adsorption characteristics of MOF, showing a high flux and separation coefficient of 90.3% for rhodamine B (RhB) solution. In addition, this strategy optimizes the piezoelectric field of CAU-17 into the entire surface through surface modification of BWO nanocrystals. The piezocatalytic degradation rate constant of RhB reaches 0.040 min1. The flexibility and abundant mesoporous of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) substrate provide the piezoelectric response to weak forces and more reactive active sites, enabling the integrated membrane to achieve dye degradation under low-frequency water flow. The BWO@CAU-17 evolved from MOF matrix enables self-cleaning of membranes. The synergistic function of multiple effects drives the rapid separation and complete degradation of pollutants, which greatly promotes the practical application of integrated membranes.

A sustainable separation strategy for recovering Sm/Co from SmCo magnets with fatty acid and primary amine

Acidic extractant is a kind of extractants commonly used in critical metal recovery industry, but the saponification wastewater generated during the saponification process inevitably causes environmental pollution. In order to develop a sustainable separation strategy for rare earth, the synergistic effect between lauric acid (LA) and primary amine N1923 (RNH2, with R = C19-C23) was investigated in this paper. The study revealed that the hydrogen bond between LA and RNH2 was helpful to realize the saponification of LA, thereby significantly improving the extraction and separation performance of LA. Unlike the quaternary ammonium or quaternary phosphonium in ionic liquid saponification studied in the previous study, RNH2 can independently combine hydrogen ions to achieve the deprotonation of LA without adding alkali or basic resin, which makes the extraction and separation process more environmentally friendly. Aiming at the recovery of samarium cobalt (SmCo) magnet, the separation of Sm and Co in chloride medium was systematically studied. When LA and RNH2 were combined in equal molar proportions to extract Sm, the extraction system demonstrated a high synergistic coefficient of 61.94, and separation coefficient of Sm and Co was remarkably high at 5326.2. It showed that the LA-RNH2 extraction system for recovering Sm and Co from actual SmCo magnets could achieve 93.19 % recovery of Co, 90.53 % recovery of Sm and 16,222 Sm/Co separation factor. The LA-RNH2 extraction system has shown potential applications in Sm/Co separation and waste SmCo magnet recovery processes. It also provides a novel strategy for the saponification of acidic extractant without alkali consumption and saponification wastewater discharge.

Simulation research on optimization of a 200 MW IGCC system

The integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) has increasingly attracted attention as a promising high-efficiency clean coal technology. The oxygen-to-carbon ratio (O/C), nitrogen reinjection coefficient (Xgn), and integration air separation coefficient (Xas) affect system performance greatly. Based on the selected coal type, this paper establishes a 200 MW IGCC system model with coal–water slurry gasification, matches the three-pressure reheating heat recovery steam generator and syngas coolers, simulates and calculates the system performance of O/C, Xas and Xgn using Thermo-flex software. From the perspective of the whole system, the optimal O/C of the system is obtained as 0.91 considering the syngas composition and gasification temperature. From the perspective of system efficiency, the Xgn is obtained as 60 % with the Xas of 20 %. The overall IGCC system model is optimized using the optimized O/C, Xgn, and Xas to obtain higher system power and efficiency, the system power generation efficiency can improve up to 51.52 %. A thermal balance diagram of the IGCC system is drawn using the calculation results and provides a reference for the future design and operation of IGCC systems.

Construction of zwitterionic ion imprinted polymer brushes on mixed matrix membranes for the separation of rare earth ions

In this article, zwitterionic ion imprinted polymer brushes were constructed on mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for the separation of rare earth ions. A multi-step chemical grafting strategy to anchor amino groups and double bonds sequentially on the oxygen-containing sites at the edge of GO nanosheets were established at first. After incorporating these modified GO nanosheets into MMMs, the imprinting process was constructed via in-situ free radical polymerization initiated by oxidize-reduction initiators on these double bond sites of GO nanosheets in the MMMs. [2-(methylacryloxy)ethyl] dimethyl-(3-propyl sulfonate) ammonium hydroxide was firstly applied as functional monomers to generate the zwitterionic polymer brushes on the GO-mixed matrix membranes, together with the aid of ligand bis (2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphonic acid (Cyanex272) in the MMMs matrix. Benefiting from these specific designed imprinted sites, the imprinted membranes had the highest adsorption capacity for Y3+, which was nearly twice as much as that of Ho3+ and Er3+. The significant difference in adsorption capacity and permeation efficiency between imprinted and non-imprinted membranes proved this imprinting strategy realized valid Y3+ imprinting sites construction. The separation coefficients of Y3+/Ho3+ and Y3+/Er3+ calculated from permeation experiments were 2.16 and 2.77, which were much higher than those of MMMs and NIMs. Imprinted factor βr of Y3+/Ho3+ and Y3+/Er3+ were calculated as 2.63 and 1.97.

Distinct Extraction Behaviors of La/Ce and Sc/Y in the Phosphoric Acidic Leachate of Bauxite Residues and Their Sequential Extraction with Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phosphoric Acid as Extractant

Bauxite residue is a hazardous solid waste produced in the alumina production process and has also become a significant rare earth resource. The extraction behaviors of La, Ce, Sc and Y solubilized in the phosphoric acidic leachate of bauxite residue were investigated in this study with di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid as the extractant. With a relatively low concentration of 2% at an aqueous solution pH of 1.5, 90% Sc and 98% Y were extracted by di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid. Less than 5% La and Ce and impurities of Fe, Al, Ti and Ca were extracted in this situation. As the concentration of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid increased to 20%, almost all the Sc and Y were extracted and the extraction ratios of La and Ce were 87% and 95%, respectively. A good separation of REEs against impurities was simultaneously obtained in the solvent extraction process and their separation coefficients were much higher than 1. A stepwise extraction process was proposed and established to extract Sc/Y and La/Ce sequentially from the phosphoric acidic leachate. It was further revealed that the Sc and Y in the acidic leachate were extracted by di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid through an ion exchange process, and that the extraction of La and Ce was due to an antagonistic process where both an ion exchange reaction and a solvation reaction occurred.

Separation performance evaluation of green crystallization technique: Model configuration and process design

Layer melt crystallization (LMC) is deemed a green separation technique and is widely used in the purification of crude chemical products. This work optimizes the separation of LMC based on process design and model configurations. Firstly, we monitor the central temperature with the crystal layer growth, where the temperature change can be divided into two stages. The main heat exchange and crystal growth occur in stage 1. Then we establish two kinetics models based on the temperature and concentration difference, to describe the features of crystal layer growth. Both kinetic models can successfully correlate the driving force and kinetic parameters. Further, the temperature effect and composition of the feed mixture on the separation performance are analyzed. The proposed separation coefficients accurately figure out the underlying correlations of the technical variables and target products. The optimized operating trajectory based on the model analyses and experiments is given to guide the separation process. Finally, four process intensification strategies are proposed to improve separation efficiency, where the incorporation of the stirring operation into LMC is more suitable for industrial production.

Extraction of vanadium (IV) ions by metal-modified resin through multiple effects: Ionic substitution and proton exchange

Acid leaching (especially with strong acid) was the essential step in extracting vanadium from vanadium containing minerals and solid waste. However, the dissolution of impurities (such as iron ions) was accompanied in the acid leaching process. The efficient and selective recovery of vanadium from acid solutions was of great significance for sustainable resource utilization and environmental protection. Metal ions-modified resins for extraction of V(IV) ions from acidic solution containing Fe(II) ion have not been reported, the Mn(II) ion supported resin (Mn-D751) was obtained in this paper. The separation coefficient (βV/Fe) reached 12.087 with Mn-D751 resin under optimum conditions, increasing by nearly two times (βV/Fe = 4.292) compared with the pure D751 resin. The FT-IR spectra manifested that the Mn(II) loading occurred at N and O sites on the resin, while V(IV) adsorption mainly occurred at O sites. The XPS text implied that the bond formed by Mn(II) and O atom during the loading process may be broken after the adsorption of V(IV). The “metals exchange” effect occurred between the Mn(II) and VO2+. Meanwhile, the decrease on pH value of the tailing liquor after V(IV) adsorption indicated that the adsorption was also accompanied by proton exchange. This work had denoted the possibility of V(IV) extraction from Fe(II) containing solution by Mn-D751 resin, providing a new idea of “metal exchange” for V(IV) extraction. Finally, the red mud leaching solution was used as the actual solution, in which the V(IV)/Fe(II) ion separation coefficient was 9.7 and the V(IV) adsorption efficiency was >83 % to achieve the intention of V(IV)/Fe(II) separation.

Adsorption behavior of vanadium(V) by supported imidazolium-based difunctionalized ionic liquid

This study reports the functionalization of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) anions to synthesize novel supported imidazolium-based difunctionalized ILs (SIBD-ILs). Polystyrene [1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium][bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate] (PS[C4mim][D2EHP]) was used as an adsorbent to separate and enrich vanadium from vanadium-containing solutions. The effects of parameters such as the initial pH, liquid-solid ratio (L/S), reaction time, and reaction temperature on V(V) adsorption behavior were investigated. The adsorption capacity of 283.63 mg/g was reached under optimal conditions. V(V) adsorbed on PS[C4mim][D2EHP] was effectively desorbed using 3 mol/L NaOH solution and regenerated PS[C4mim][D2EHP]. After 10 adsorption-desorption cycles, the adsorption capacity was maintained at 95.36% of the initial value. The selective adsorption property of PS[C4mim][D2EHP] was studied in vanadium solutions containing Fe(III) and Al(III) ions. At pH = 2.0, the separation coefficients of towards Fe(III) and Al(III) were the highest, 62.05 and 38.69, respectively. The adsorption process of PS[C4mim][D2EHP] for V(V) conformed to Freundlich and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. SIBD-ILs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results showed that PS[C4mim][D2EHP] was successfully prepared, and PS[C4mim][D2EHP] mainly adsorbed vanadium by ion association.

Совершенствование проточной части газосепараторов с использованием мультифазного коэффициента относительной скорости движения дискретных частиц

The paper analyzes features of the flowing formation fluid that contains free gas bubbles in the flow part of a vortex-type separator with the movable screw. Expressions are derived for a dimensionless multiphase coefficient of the discrete particles relative separation rate and the multiphase similarity criterion, which are making it possible to evaluate the gas separator efficiency, design and develop new devices based on the previously created highly efficient models. The derived equations allow determining the main geometric dimensions of the gas separator flow part based on the given radial dimensions, nominal flow rate and permissible content of free gas at the inlet. For the obtained geometric dimensions of the gas separator flow part, it becomes possible to construct dependences of the separation coefficient and the permissible amount of free gas at the inlet on the rotor rotation speed, flow rate and physical properties of the multiphase mixture.

Tuning composite nanofiltration membranes with γ-cyclodextrin for improved Mg2+/Li+ selectivity

As a new frontier method, nanofiltration (NF) membranes still face challenges in achieving a balance between selectivity and permeability, especially in the field of extracting lithium from brines. In the study, we addressed this issue by incorporating γ-cyclodextrins (CDs) with amphipathic cavities onto the polyamide chains using interfacial polymerization (IP) reaction, employing polyethyleneimine (PEI) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC). The addition of γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) enhances the hydrophilicity and water flux of NF membrane on account of its remarkable structural properties. The outer surface of γ-CD exhibits hydrophilic characteristics, while its inner cavity possesses hydrophobic properties. Benefiting from its water-attracting surface and water-repellent cavity, γ-CD could enhance the overall water affinity and water permeability of the NF membrane. Furthermore, the dimensions of the γ-CD cavity allowed for effective screening Mg2+ / Li+ to a certain extent. Notably, γ-CD exhibited a superior capability to accommodate and encapsulate Mg2+ ions, indicating a higher binding affinity compared to Li+. Thus, Li+ was easier to pass through the NF membrane grafted by γ-CDs than Mg2+. The optimized NF membrane demonstrated an enhanced magnesium-lithium separation coefficient of 23.61, 237 % better than that of the TFC-control membrane. This work introduces a novel approach for designing and constructing of high-permselectivity NF membranes for Mg2+ / Li+ separation utilization.

Separation and purification of light rare earth elements from chloride media using P204 and Cyanex272 in sulfonated kerosene under non-saponification conditions

The extraction of light rare earths (Pr and Nd) from chloride medium was investigated using a mixture of di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (P204) and bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid (Cyanex272) in sulfonated kerosene. The P204+Cyanex272 system exerted a synergistic effect on the separation of light rare earths, and the separation coefficient was higher than when P204 and Cyanex272 were used as extractants alone. The separation coefficient of Pr and Nd in the extraction system reached 1.75 when the pH of the aqueous phase material solution was approximately 2.5, and 1.5 mol/L hydrochloric acid as a stripping agent effectively eluted the rare earth ions in the loaded organic phase. Combining the slope method, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we explored the mechanism of the extracted Nd and Pr into the organic phase complex, and finally entered the organic phase with Re(HA<sub>2</sub>)<sub>2</sub>B. The P-O-H bond and P=O bond in the extractant P204 and Cyanex272 formed a coordination bond with Re<sup>3+</sup>. Therefore, this extraction method also provides a reference for a more environmentally friendly and efficient procedure for separation and purification of light rare earth elements Pr and Nd.

Preparation of high-purity copper through vacuum distillation

Copper is capable of maintaining strong competitiveness in the metal materials market for its prominent ductility, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity. As more rigorous purity requirements of industrial sputtering targets and aerospace have been raised, the clean and efficient production of high-purity copper turns out to be an urgent problem over the past few years. In this paper, the possibility of removing impurities from copper melt was investigated by integrating theoretical calculations and experiments, and the separation coefficient and vapor-liquid equilibrium phase diagram of copper and impurity elements were determined and plotted using the molecular interaction volume model (MIVM). Moreover, the effects of the distillation temperature, the holding time, and the system pressure on the experimental results were discussed. As indicated by the results, with the rise of the temperature and with the extension of the holding time, the purity of copper was first increased and then decreased, and the purity of residual copper reached 99.9993% at 1473 K temperature, 1.5 h holding time, and 5 Pa pressure, and the method effectively separated impurities from copper raw materials. Besides, no waste water or waste gas emission was generated in the experiment.