Copper and Iron Extraction from Nickel Sulfate Electrolytes Using Binary Extractants

Abstract

The extraction of copper(II) and iron(III) from nickel sulfate electrolytes by means of solutions of binary extractants such as methyltrioctylammonium, tetraoctylammonium and trioctylammonium caprylates, 2-ethylheptylcarboxylates, and di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphates in toluene has been studied. It has been shown that an efficient copper extraction is observed in the systems with methyltrioctyl ammonium dialkyl carboxylate and caprylate, whereas methyltrioocylammonium, and tetraoctylammonium salts can be used to extract iron. The stripping of copper and iron can be carried out using dilute sulfuric acid solutions.