Asadollahzadeh Mehdi, Torkaman Rezvan
Nuclear Fuel Cycle Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, P.O. Box: 11365-8486, Tehran, Iran.
Sci Rep. 2024 Mar 3;14(1):5213. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-52027-1.
Separating copper and cobalt ions is crucial due to the industry's strategic reliance on both these elements. When the extraction process is able to significantly increase the separation factor, it becomes favorable to separate two ions. However, the presence of Cu(II) ions together with Co(II) hinders the achievement of optimum efficiency when using commonly available extractants. This study conducted the separation of the two elements using both batch and continuous methods in a pilot plant pulsed column equipped with a disc and doughnut structure. The initial step involved optimizing the key variables to maximize the separation factor using the central composite design procedure. The optimization of Cyanex272, Cyphos IL 101 concentrations, and the pH value of the aqueous phase were all adjusted to 0.024 M, 0.046 M, and 7.3, correspondingly. In the following step, the hydrodynamic characteristics and extraction performance were examined in the pulsed column of the pilot plant. The findings indicated that the presence of Cyphos IL 101 resulted in an increased separation factor and efficiency within the column. As a result, the ionic liquid enhances performance without encountering any operational issues. This additive is considered an environmentally friendly solvent and does not cause any negative impacts. Consequently, it is suggested for utilization in continuous industrial processes.
由于该行业对铜和钴这两种元素的战略依赖，分离铜离子和钴离子至关重要。当萃取过程能够显著提高分离系数时，分离这两种离子就变得有利。然而，当使用常用萃取剂时，Cu(II)离子与Co(II)离子共存会阻碍实现最佳效率。本研究在配备圆盘和圆环结构的中试工厂脉冲柱中采用间歇法和连续法对这两种元素进行分离。第一步是使用中心复合设计程序优化关键变量，以最大化分离系数。相应地，将Cyanex272、Cyphos IL 101的浓度以及水相的pH值分别调整为0.024 M、0.046 M和7.3。在接下来的步骤中，在中试工厂的脉冲柱中考察了流体动力学特性和萃取性能。结果表明，Cyphos IL 101的存在导致柱内分离系数和效率提高。因此，离子液体在不出现任何操作问题的情况下提高了性能。这种添加剂被认为是一种环境友好型溶剂，不会造成任何负面影响。因此，建议将其用于连续工业过程。
