How to choose extractants for nickel cobalt extraction?
Nickel and cobalt extraction is a critical process in various industries, including the production of batteries, stainless steel, and other alloys. The selection of extractants plays a crucial role in achieving efficient and effective extraction. The choice of extractant depends on the type of raw material being processed.
For laterite nickel ore, which typically contains numerous impurities, a two-step extraction process is commonly employed. Initially, a specific extractant called D2EHPA (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid) is used to remove the impurities present in the ore. D2EHPA has excellent selectivity for certain impurities, allowing them to be separated from the desired nickel and cobalt.
Once the impurities have been eliminated, the next step involves using another extractant called DY319 to extract nickel and cobalt simultaneously. DY319 has high affinity for both metals, enabling their extraction from the raw material. This extraction mixture containing nickel and cobalt can then proceed to the subsequent separation stage.
In the final step of the extraction process, a third extractant called DY272 is utilized to separate cobalt from nickel. DY272 exhibits a higher selectivity towards cobalt, effectively isolating it from the nickel ions. This separation step ensures the purity of the extracted nickel.
On the other hand, if the raw material being processed is lithium battery materials, the extraction process is relatively simpler due to the purity of the material. In this case, only two extractants, namely DY319 and DY272, are required.
DY319 is used to extract both nickel and cobalt from the raw materials simultaneously. Its strong affinity for these metals allows for efficient extraction. Subsequently, DY272 is employed to selectively extract cobalt, leaving behind pure nickel ions.
It is worth noting that the extraction process outlined above is just a general guideline, and various factors such as the composition of the raw material and desired purity levels may require adjustments. Additionally, the concentration and operating conditions of the extractants should be optimized to achieve the best results.
Nickel and cobalt extraction technology continues to evolve, with ongoing research focusing on improving selectivity, efficiency, and sustainability. The development of novel extractants and innovative extraction techniques aims to enhance the overall process while minimizing environmental impact.
Our metal extractants as below:
- DZ988N/DZ973N/DZ902 copper solvent extraction reagent.
- DY319 high efficiency nickel cobalt co-extraction extractant, can take out nickel and cobalt together from nickel laterite ore or Lithium battery electrolyte.
- DZ272 Nickel cobalt separation extractant, it can take cobalt out from nickel cobalt solution.
- DY377 efficient nickel and diamond separation extractant.
- DY366 new advanced nickel cobalt extractant.
- P204 (D2EHPA or HDEHP) extractant.
- DY301, DY302 for nuclear spent fuel recovery.
- Other extraction reagents for Vanadium extractant, Lithium extractant, Ferro extractant and rare earth extractant.
