Selective and Simultaneous Extractions of Zn and Cu Ions by Hollow Fiber SLM Modules Containing HEH(EHP) and LIX84

Abstract

Abstract The selective extractions of Zn2+ and Cu2+ from their mixed solutions of sulfate medium have been studied using hollow fiber supported liquid membranes (HFSLM). The HFSLM contained two kinds of extractants; one contained 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester [HEH(EHP)], the commercial name of which is PC88A, for Zn extraction; the other contained the hydroxy oxime reagent LIX84 for Cu extraction. Individual runs of each HFSLM were made to determine the effect of operational variables on the permeation rates of metal ions and their separation factors. In addition, the simultaneous and selective extractions of both Zn2+ and Cu2+ from their mixed solutions were demonstrated using the PC88A and LIX84 HFSLMs together. The performance of simultaneous extraction was compared with those of the individual runs.