Extraction of nickel(ll) with methyl isobutyl ketone and tri-<i>n</i>-butylphosphate

Abstract

The equilibrium extraction of nickel(II)has been carried out with methyl isobutyl ketone(MIBK) and tri-<i>n</i>-butylphosphate (TBP) and compared under various experimental conditions. The extraction has been carried out in acid sulphate media in the <i>p</i>H range 2.0- 7.0 using extractant concentrations in the range 0.05 to 1.0 <i>M </i> and in the temperature range 28.2 to 50°C. The initial aqueous nickel(II) concentrations varied from 0.01 to 0.10 <i>M. </i> Extraction of nickel(ll) by MIBK is most favourable at <i>p</i>H 2.50 at room temperature and 0.01 <i>M </i> aqueous nickel concentration. For TBP, extraction is best at <i>p</i>H 6.0, temperature 50°C and 0.01<i> M </i> nickel concentration. For both systems, nickel(II) extraction increased monotonically as the extractant concentration increased in the diluent. The experimental data suggest that both extractants are adaptable for the recovery of aqueous nickel.