International Journal of
Physical Sciences

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Phys. Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1992-1950
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJPS
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 2572

Review

Application of Cyanex® extractant in Cobalt/Nickel separation process by solvent extraction

Olushola S. Ayanda1*, Folahan A. Adekola2, Alafara A. Baba2, Bhekumusa J. Ximba1and Olalekan S. Fatoki1
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, P. O. Box 1906, Cape Town, South Africa. 2Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 21 January 2013
  •  Published: 23 January 2013

Abstract

This study presents a detailed review on the advanced hydrometallurgical treatment involving the extraction and separation of Cobalt (Co) and Nickel (Ni) by Cyanex® extractants. The structures, properties and applications of various Cyanex® extractants such as Cyanex®272, Cyanex®301, Cyanex®921, Cyanex®923 and Cyanex®421X were discussed and compared. Cyanex®272 thus proved to be the most appropriate solvent extractant for the separation of Co and Nickel from sulphate and chloride media due to its stability to common oxidant, better physicochemical properties and its ability to avoid gypsum crystallization in stripping-electrowinning circuit. Finally, various solvent extraction (SX) techniques for the extraction and separation of Co and Ni using Cyanex® extractants were discussed as well as newer processes of extraction and separation.

 

Key words: Hydrometallurgy, Cobalt, Nickel, solvent extraction, Cyanex® extractants, Cyanex®272, Cyanex®301, Cyanex®921, Cyanex®923, Cyanex®421X.