Solvent Extraction of Zr (IV) from HCl medium using Cyanex 923 as extractant in kerosene

Abstract

The extraction of zirconium (Zr) from aqueous HCl solution by Cyanex 923 using kerosene as diluent was studied. The parameters like effect of aqueous acid concentration, extractant concentration, chloride ion concentration, nature of diluents on the extraction of Zr (IV) were studied. The percentage of extraction of Zr(IV) became 98% with 0.01M Cyanex 923 from 7M HCl and 99% from 5M HCl with 0.04 M Cyanex 923.Toluene was found to be effective diluent for the extraction of Zr(IV) with Cyanex 923.The positive enthalpy change andpositive entropy change in extraction system shows endothermic process with increase in randomness. Stripping of Zr (IV) from the loaded organic phase containing and Cyanex 923(0.01M) indicated that HNO3 is the best stripping agents.