Separation of Zn(II) and Mn(II) from sulphate solutions using sodium salts of D2EHPA, PC88A and Cyanex 272

The extraction and separation of divalent zinc and manganese from a sulphate solution was carried out using sodium salts of D2EHPA, PC88A and Cyanex 272 in kerosene. Extraction of metal ions increased with increasing equilibrium pH of feed solution and extractant concentration. The separation factor of zinc over manganese was maximized according to equilibrium pH and extractant concentration. The separation factor of zinc over manganese was highest with 0.05 M NaPC88A, which was used in a separation study. Extraction of zinc from Zn–Mn solution and extraction of manganese from the Zn-free solution were carried out with 0.05 M NaPC88A in two stages at 1:1 phase ratio. The respective loaded organic phases were stripped with 0.03 M H2SO4 and 0.02 M H2SO4 in two stages at 1:1 phase ratio.