Non-dispersive solvent extraction of Cu(II) by LIX 973N from ammoniacal/ammonium carbonate aqueous solutions

The non-dispersive solvent extraction (NDSX) of copper from aqueous ammoniacal/ammonium carbonate medium with LIX 973N using a microporous hydrophobic polypropylene hollow fiber contactor is reported. The influence of aqueous pH, ammonium carbonate concentration, copper concentration, extractant concentration, organic phase volume on relative concentration decrease of copper was investigated as a function of time. These experimental variables barely influenced the decrease in the relative concentration, whereas the module configuration (counter or co-current) influences copper extraction. The relative concentration can be well described as an exponential function of time. Copper stripping is accomplished using sulphuric acid solution.