Solvent Extraction Studies for Platinum Recovery from Chloride Media by A N,N′‐ Tetrasubstituted Malonamide Derivative

Abstract: Solvent extraction studies for platinum recovery from chloride media have been carried out using N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐diphenyltetradecylmalonamide (DMDPHTDMA). Platinum can be effectively extracted by DMDPHTDMA in the presence of tin and can also be successfully stripped by an aqueous mixture of 4M HCl + 0.05M NaClO₃. The influence of different Sn:Pt feed ratios on the extraction system has been considered. Experimental parameters such as equilibration time, diluent, and temperature effects, extractant and hydrogen ion concentrations have been thoroughly investigated. The loading capacity of DMDPHTDMA for platinum has also been evaluated. Platinum extraction is proposed to occur via an ion‐pair association.     

Non-Dispersive Solvent Extraction of Neodymium using N,N,N’,N’-Tetraoctyl Diglycolamide (TODGA)

Hollow fiber contactor was used to study non-dispersive extraction (NDSX) of Nd³⁺ ions from aqueous solutions. N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl diglycolamide (TODGA) diluted with n-dodecane was used as the organic phase with di-n-hexyl octanamide (DHOA) as the phase modifier. The role of cations (H⁺/Na⁺) on the transport of Nd³⁺ ions has been investigated for this system. It was observed that H⁺ ion has a significant role to play in the Nd³⁺/TODGA complexation reaction. A mathematical model has also been developed to simulate the NDSX process in a hollow fiber contactor. A comparison has also been made between extraction profiles from the NDSX process and the hollow fiber supported liquid membrane (HFSLM) process. It was observed that NDSX gave comparatively faster rates of extraction in the presence of H⁺ ions but slower in the absence of H⁺ ions.     

Determination of N,N’, N’’-tris(3,7-dimethyloctyl)guanidine (TiDG) in Cesium Extraction Solvent

Several analytical methods were evaluated for determining the concentration of N,N’,N”-tris(3,7-dimethyloctyl)guanidine (TiDG) in a cesium extraction solvent. Of the methods evaluated, non-aqueous titration and ¹H NMR were shown to be successful at quantifying the amount of TiDG present in both a pure solvent extraction system, and a blended system containing an additional base, trioctylamine.     

Liquid–Liquid Extraction of Silver From Chloride Media by N,N′-Tetrasubstituted Dithiomalonamide Derivatives

N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-diphenyldithiomalonamide (DMDPHDTMA) and N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-dicyclohexyldithiomalonamide (DMDCHDTMA) were synthesized and tested as extractants for silver in chloride solutions. Even when relatively low concentrations are used, both compounds effectively extract Ag(I) from 2–5 M chloride concentrated aqueous phases. Ag(I) is successfully stripped by a stabilized sodium thiosulfate solution. Results obtained from sequential cycles of extraction-stripping suggest that both extractants exhibit a high Ag(I) loading capacity. The effects of the equilibration time, concentrations of extractant, chloride and hydrogen ions on Ag(I) extraction have been investigated. The chemical reactions involved on Ag(I) extraction are proposed. There is no selectivity of DMDPHDTMA or DMDCHDTMA for Ag(I) when Cu(II) and Fe(III) co-exist in the chloride aqueous solution.     

Synthesis of N,N′-Dimethyl-N,N′-Dioctyl-3-Oxadiglycolamide and its Extraction Properties for Lanthanides

Abstract

Tetraalkyl-3-oxadiglycolamides show good prospects in nuclear reprocessing because of their complete incinerability. In addition, their degradation products interfere much less in the separation process when compared with organophosphorus extractants. An asymmetric extractant, N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-dioctyl-3-oxadiglycolamide, has been synthesized by a five-step process. The compound was applied to the extraction of selected lanthanides from nitric acid solutions using chloroform as diluent. Its extraction properties for lanthanides from nitrate media have been described. The distribution ratio of the selected metal ions has been studied as a function of aqueous HNO₃ concentrations, diglycolamide concentration and temperature.     

Extraction behavior of strontium from nitric acid medium with N,N’-dimethyl-N,N’-dioctyldiglcolamide

Strontium-90 (⁹⁰Sr), one of the most significant fission products carried into high-level waste (HLW), should preferably be separated from HLW. In this investigation, the extraction of Sr²⁺ was carried out using N,N’-dimethyl-N,N’-dioctyldiglcolamide (DMDODGA) in 40/60 (V/V)% 1-octanol/kerosene or ionic liquid (IL) [C₆mim][Tf₂N]. The composition of the extracted complex between DMDODGA and HNO₃ depends on the aqueous HNO₃ concentration. The distribution ratio of Sr²⁺ (D_Sr) is influenced by the initial concentration of HNO₃ and strontium in the aqueous phase, the concentration of DMDODGA, and temperature. The stoichiometry of Sr²⁺ and DMDODGA in the extracted complex is 1:3. D_Sr in the IL is two orders of magnitude higher than that in 40/60 (V/V)% 1-octanol/kerosene at lower acidity.     

Effect of Br− on the Adsorption Rate of Palladium(II) Ions onto Condensed-Tannin Gel in Chloride Media

Abstract

In chloride media, chloropalladium(II) species are adsorbed onto tannin gel particles through an inner-sphere redox reaction mechanism containing the intermediate step, formation of a ligand-substituted Pd(II)-tannin complex. In this Pd(II) adsorption process, it was observed that the adsorption rate can be increased by introducing Br^?, a softer ligand than Cl^?, into the aqueous chloride solution. The formation of mixed-ligand palladium(II) complexes accelerates the rate of ligand-substitution reactions with the hydroxyl groups of tannin gel by the trans effect. The adsorption condition can be optimized by controlling the [Br_tot]/[Cl_tot] ratio, in which the predominant Pd(II) species are bromo-chloro palladium(II) complexes, the favorable species for the trans effect.     

Solvent Extraction of Lanthanides(III) with N‐Cinnamoyl‐N‐phenylhydroxylamine and Its Trifluoromethyl Derivative

Abstract

N‐m‐Trifluoromethylcinnamoyl‐N‐phenylhydroxylamine (CF₃‐CPHA) was synthesized. The acid‐dissociation constant and distribution constant between chloroform and water of CF₃‐CPHA and N‐cinnamoyl‐N‐phenylhydroxylamine (CPHA), which was the mother compound of CF₃‐CPHA, were determined spectrophotometrically. The extraction behavior of tervalent lanthanides (Ln), Pr, Eu, and Yb into chloroform solution containing CPHA or CF₃‐CPHA was studied. They are extracted as self‐adduct chelates, LnL₃(HL)₃, where L and HL denote the ligand anion and neutral ligand, respectively. The extraction constants and separation factors for the lanthanides with CPHA and CF₃‐CPHA were evaluated. The extraction constant with CPHA are smaller than that obtained with CF₃‐CPHA. However, it is observed that CPHA possesses higher selectivity than CF₃‐CPHA.     

Solvent Extraction Studies of Rare Earths from Thiocyanate Medium with N,N,N´,N´-tetra(2-ethylhexyl) diglycolamide

The extraction behavior of rare earth (RE) elements from thiocyanate medium by N,N,N^’,N^’-tetra(2-ethylhexyl) diglycolamide (TEHDGA), a neutral extractant, has been investigated and the optimum conditions for their separations were determined. Isodecyl alcohol was used as phase modifier and a concentration of 5%(v/v) was found sufficient to mitigate third phase formation under our experimental conditions. The extraction mechanism of RE with TEHDGA was established by analyzing distribution data with slope analysis technique and showed the formation of a neutral species, RE(SCN)₃.2TEHDGA, in the organic phase. The extraction of rare earth decreased with increase in temperature indicating exothermic nature and the enthalpy change (ΔH) obtained for Y(III) was ?14.27 kJ/mol. Among various stripping agents studied, oxalic acid was found to be efficient in quantitative stripping of rare earths from TEHDGA. The extraction efficiency for all the rare earths by TEHDGA was also investigated. High separation factor of 6.4 for Er/Y pair at 0.03 M thiocyanate has indicated the feasibility of using TEHDGA as extractant to separate Y from heavy rare earths, in particular Er, from thiocyanate medium.     

Extraction of Trivalent Rare Earths and Minor Actinides from Nitric Acid with N,N,N’,N’-Tetradodecyldiglycolamide (TDdDGA) by Using Mixer-Settler Extractors in a Hot Cell

Single-stage batch experiments to reveal the extraction properties of N,N,N’,N’-tetradodecyldiglycolamide (TDdDGA) for Y, La, Eu, Nd, and Am in nitric acid were carried out. The distribution ratios of Y, Eu, Nd, and Am exceeded 10 when the nitric acid concentration was 1–2 mol/dm³ (M), and the distribution ratio of La was 5.5 when the nitric acid concentration was 2 M. A continuous counter-current experiment using 0.1 M TDdDGA diluted with n-dodecane was performed using mixer-settler extractors installed in a hot cell. Nitric acid with a concentration of 2.1 M containing minor actinides (MAs: Am and Cm), rare earths (REs: Y, La, Nd, and Eu), and other fission products (Sr, Cs, Zr, Mo, Ru, Rh, and Pd) was fed to the extractor. TDdDGA effectively extracted MAs and REs from the feed, while other fission products were barely extracted. The extracted MAs and REs were back-extracted by bringing them in contact with 0.02 M nitric acid, and they were collected as the MA–RE fraction. The results indicated that more than 98% of Am and Cm in the feed were recovered in the MA–RE fraction. The proportions of Y, La, Nd, and Eu in the MA–RE fraction were 94.0%, 99.9%, 99.9%, and 86.9%, respectively.     

The Synthesis of New N2S2‐Macrocyclic Schiff Base Ligands and Investigation of Their Ion Extraction Capability from Aqueous Media

Abstract

Two new macrocyclic Schiff bases, (5) and (7), containing nitrogen‐sulfur donor atoms were designed and synthesized by reaction of α,α′ bis(o‐aminophenylthio)‐1,2‐xylene with glyoxal and phthaldialdehyde, respectively. The liquid‐liquid extraction of metal picrates such as Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺ from aqueous phase to the organic phase was carried out using the novel ligands. The effect of chloroform and dichloromethane as organic solvents over the metal picrate extractions was investigated at 25±0.1°C by using UV‐visible spectrometry. The extractability and selectivity of the tested metal picrates were evaluated. The values of the extraction constants (log K_ex) were determined for the extracted complexes.     

Synergistic Enhancement of the Extraction of Trivalent Lanthanides and Actinides by Tetra‐(n‐Octyl)Diglycolamide from Chloride Media

Abstract

This work describes a unique synergistic enhancement of the extraction of trivalent actinides and lanthanides by extraction chromatographic resins containing tetra‐n‐octyldiglycolamide (TODGA) from hydrochloric acid containing anionic metal chlorides. The presence of mg/L quantities of trivalent Fe, Ga, In, Tl, or Bi in HCl leads to several orders of magnitude enhancement of the extraction of trivalent actinides and lanthanides. The synergistic effect persists, even when the amount of metal chloride exceeds the capacity of the resin. The application of this synergistic enhancement for the separation of actinium from stainless steel and the preconcentration of americium and plutonium from large soil samples will be described.     

Solvent Extraction of Copper from Nitrate Media with Chelating LIX‐Reagents: Comparative Equilibrium Study

Abstract

Comparative experimental studies were carried out on extraction of copper(II) cations from aqueous acid nitrate media using four LIX‐reagents, representatives of different extractant classes: LIX 984N‐I, LIX 860N, LIX 84‐I and LIX 65N. As a diluent, liquid hydrocarbon undecane was used. The extraction behavior of the LIX‐reagents was compared based on an analysis of the influence of the main factors on the two‐phase mass transfer process: aqueous pH‐value, initial copper and extractant concentrations, and temperature. The experimental data received were used in the calculation of important parameters characterizing the efficiency of copper extraction from nitrate media with different LIX reagents: distribution ratios D, concentration extraction constants K _ex, pH_0.5‐values, and thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy, entropy, and free energy changes (ΔH ⁰, ΔS ⁰, ΔG ⁰‐values).     

Comparison of the Axial Dispersion Performance of Pulsed Solvent Extraction Columns with Tenova Pulsed Column–Kinetics Internals and Standard Disc and Doughnut Internals

Axial dispersion performance of a 2-m high 76-mm diameter pilot-scale pulsed solvent extraction column has been studied using two liquid–liquid systems, Alamine 336/isodecanol/Shellsol 2046 (continuous)–tap water (dispersed) and LIX 84/Shellsol 2046 (continuous)–tap water (dispersed). The pulsed column was operated with standard disc and doughnut internals and Tenova pulsed column–kinetics internals using pulsation intensities from 0.005 m/s to 0.025 m/s with polyvinylidene fluoride internal plates of 22.4% open area. The effect of pulsation intensity, dispersed phase velocity, and continuous phase velocity on axial dispersion coefficient have been investigated and compared with the two different column internals, and the experimental data has been correlated with empirical relationships.     

Experimental and Numerical Investigations of Single Drop Mass Transfer in Solvent Extraction Systems with Resistance in Both Phases

Numerical simulation of transient mass transfer to a single drop controlled by the internal resistance or by the resistance in both phases was mathematically formulated and simulated in a boundary-fitted orthogonal coordinate system. The simulated results on the transient mass transfer dominated by the internal resistance are in good agreement with the Newman and Kronig-Brink models for drops with low Reynolds number. When the drop Reynolds number is up to 200, the mass transfer coefficient from numerical simulation is very low as compared with the Handlos-Baron model. The cases with mass transfer resistance residing in both the continuous and drop phases were simulated successfully and compared with the experimental data in three extraction systems recommended by European Confederation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE). For single drops with Re < 200, the numerically predicted values of the extraction fraction and overall mass transfer coefficient are in reasonable coincidence with the experimental data. I     

Aggregation,Counter Ion Binding and Adsorption Behaviors of Cetylpyridinium Chloride in Water/Glycerol Media at 25 °C

The critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in water/glycerol media and in the presence of sodium chloride were determined at 25 °C by surface tension and conductance methods. Variation in CMC follows the normal trend, i.e., it increases with increases in glycerol content and decreases on adding NaCl. Empirical analysis of the exponential increase in CMC of CPC with weight per cent of glycerol is indicative of CMC having two components; one component being dependent while the other independent of the glycerol amount. The counter ion binding constant was determined from both slope–ratio and Corrin-Harkins methods and showed no dependence on glycerol amount, thus confirming the unusual trend in the behavior of β in water/glycerol media. In a water/glycerol medium, the ratio of solvent surface tension to limiting surface tension at CMC is also independent of the glycerol amount, whereas the Gordon Parameter decreases with increasing glycerol content as in other aqueous organic solvents. The air–solution interface becomes saturated by the adsorption of CPC when the concentration of added NaCl is about 0.02 mol kg⁻¹ irrespective of the glycerol amount.     

Effect of the Alkyl Chain Length in N,N‐Dialkylpyridine‐3‐carboxamides upon their Extraction of Copper(II) from Aqueous Chloride Solutions

Abstract

Three nicotinamide derivatives with two butyl, hexyl, or octyl alkyl chains at amide nitrogen were synthesized. These model individual compounds were used for copper(II) extraction from acidic chloride solutions at constant ionic strength I = 1.0. It was found that during the extraction N,N‐dialkylpyridine‐3‐carboxamides form two complexes with copper(II) and chloride ions; these can transfer into the organic phase. In these complexes the molar ratio of copper:chlorine:extractant = 1:2:2 or 1:2:3. The obtained stability constants of N,N‐dihexyl‐ and N,N‐dioctylpyridine‐3‐carboxamides complexes with copper(II) chloride in water are comparable, but N,N‐dibutylpyridine‐3‐carboxamide complexes stability constants are significantly lower. The partition constants of these complexes in toluene–water system depend on amide hydrophobicity, increasing with increasing carbon chain length in N,N‐dialkylpyridine‐3‐carboxamides.     

Electrospin of polysulfone in N,N’-dimethyl acetamide solutions

Nanofibers of polysulfone (PSU) were prepared by electro-spinning from 10∼20 wt.% PSU solutions in N,N’-dimethyl acetamide (DMAc) mixed with 0.0∼0.1 wt.% LiCl. With increasing PSU concentration, the morphology of fibers electrospun were bead, mixture of bead-fiber and fiber, and smooth fibers when PSU concentration was 10, 12–15, and 18–20 wt.%, respectively. The bead sizes decreased and fiber diameters increased as PSU concentration was increased. The fiber diameter decreased with increases of the LiCl concentration and the distance from spinneret to collection plate. The fiber diameter also decreased with decreasing solution feeding rate. The fiber diameter distribution electrospun from 20 wt.% PSU solutions was much broader than those electrospun from 18 wt.% PSU solution. For 18 wt.% PSU solution, the average fiber diameter (AFD) decreased when the applied voltage V was increased from 7 to 12 kV. However, for 20 wt.% PSU solutions, the AFD increased when V was increased from 7 to 12 kV. The different morphology of fibers electrospun from 18 and 20 wt.% PSU solutions was attributed to the much higher viscosity of 20 wt.% PSU solution than 18 wt.% PSU solution.     

The Solvent Extraction of Boron with Synthesized Aliphatic 1,3‐Diols: Stripping and Extraction Behavior of Boron by 2,2,5‐Trimethyl‐1,3‐hexanediol

Abstract

A variety of aliphatic 1,3‐diols (4a–c, 5a–c, 6a–c) was synthesized from β‐hydroxy carbonyl compounds (1–3) for potential use in the solvent extraction of boron. Primary‐secondary and primary‐tertiary alcohol structures of 1,3‐diols substituted with isopropyl, isobutyl, and isopentyl groups have been demonstrated to be very efficient for the solvent extraction of boric acid from aqueous solutions. The extraction ability of 2,2,5‐trimethyl‐1,3‐hexanediol (5b) was investigated as a function of 5b concentration, solution pH, solvent properties, and stripping conditions. Extraction efficiency increased with increasing concentration of 5b, and the best extraction of boron (96.8%) was found to be at an equilibrium pH of 2 with 0.5 M of 5b. Chloroform, toluene, chlorobenzene, 2‐octanol, and n‐amyl alcohol were found to be suitable solvents for the solvent extraction of boron. The boron complex can be recovered from the organic phase by treatment with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. The highest ratio (96.7%) of boron was recovered by 0.1 M of sodium hydroxide solution.