Separation of silver (I) and zinc(II) from nitrate solutions by solvent extraction with LIX63

Abstract

The separation of Ag(I) and Zn(II) from nitrate solutions using 5,8-diethyl-7-hydroxy-dodecan-6-oxime (LIX63) as the extractant was investigated as a function of nitric acid (HNO3) and extractant concentrations. Selective extraction of Ag(I) over Zn(II) was achieved with LIX63 when HNO3 concentration was in the range 0.001-1 mol/dm3. Quantitative stripping of Ag(I) from loaded LIX63 was accomplished using 5 mol/dm3 of HNO3. The McCabe-Thiele diagrams for the extraction and stripping of Ag(I) with LIX63 were constructed, and the results were verified by simulated cross-current extraction and stripping experiments. Finally, Ag(I) and Zn(II) solutions of high purity (> 99.95%) were obtained.