Extraction of chromium (III) from spent tanning baths

Extraction of chromium(III) from a model spent tanning bath of the leather industry has been investigated using ammoniated and non-ammoniated di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid (Cyanex® 272). Chromium extraction of 95% by 15% (v/v) D2EHPA, 10% (v/v) isodecanol in kerosene and 86.1% by 15% (v/v) Cyanex® 272, 10% (v/v) p-nonylphenol in kerosene was obtained at equilibrium pH values of 4.0 and 5.0, respectively. The separation of small amounts of iron (III) and aluminium (III) present in the solution along with the Cr(III), was also examined and it was found that Cyanex® 272 was a better reagent than D2EHPA. The slow kinetics of extraction and stripping observed in the case of AI(III) was advantageous for its separation from Fe(III) at low pH values. Difficulties faced in the stripping of loaded metals were also studied because only about 80% chromium recovery by 8 M HCl was obtained from both solvents. The incomplete stripping of the metal may be a result of the formation of a stable species in the organic phase and needs further investigation. The Cr(III) can be recovered as chloride from the strip liquor and recycled for retanning purposes.