Extraction and separation of Pt(IV)/Rh(III) from acidic chloride solutions using Aliquat 336

Extraction and separation of Pt(IV)/Rh(III) from chloride solutions using Aliquat 336 (Quaternary ammonium salt made by the methylation of mixed tri octyl/decyl amine) diluted in kerosene as an extractant/synergist alone and mixed with organophosphorous extractants as synergists/extractants were carried out from an aqueous feed containing 0.0005 mol L−1 Pt(IV)/Rh(III).Variation of hydrochloric acid concentration of aqueous phase from 0.005 to 10.0 mol L−1 increased the percentage extraction of platinum up to 5.0 mol L−1 there after it decreases. Whereas in the case of rhodium, from 0.005 to 1.0 mol L−1 acid range the percentage extraction was decreased from 1.0 to 10.0 mol L−1 acid range is favorable for extraction. Platinum(IV)/rhodium(III) separation factor of 279.2 was obtained at 1.0 mol L−1 HCl concentration with 0.005 mol L−1 Aliquat 336 and separation factor of 612.3 was obtained at 3.0 mol L−1 HCl concentration with 0.01 mol L−1 Aliquat 336. The present study optimized the various experimental parameters like phase contact time, effect of extractant, salts, temperature, loading capacity of extractant, stripping studies with various mineral acids/bases, recycling and reusing capacity of extractant up to ten cycles.