Thermodynamics and physical properties of an ionic liquid-based metal extraction process

Enas A. Othman*, Aloijsius G.J. van der Ham, Henk Miedema, Sascha R.A. Kersten

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

In this study a LLX process for the extraction of cobalt by the IL [P8888][Oleate] is analysed in terms of relevant thermodynamic parameters. The process can be considered a typical example of transition metal extraction by an ionic liquid. Conductivity and chemical (FTIR) analyses indicate that Co2+ complexes with the IL. Three different models are evaluated, all different with respect to the actual Co2+ species that complexes with the IL, as well as the Co2+:IL stoichiometry. Based on simulations we identified CoCl2 as the Co species that enters and complexes with the IL, in a Co2+:IL ratio of 1:2. The complexation reaction between the Co-species and the IL is an endothermic, entropy-driven reaction. The influence of the feed composition on Co2+ extraction is investigated, including the effect of the nature of the accompanying anion as well as the presence of a salting out cation agent. The higher Co2+ extraction from a NO3 medium is due to the stronger interaction between Co(NO3)2 and the IL, reflected by a higher equilibrium constant of Co(NO3)2 compared to CoCl2. Differences in dehydration enthalpy between the ion species involved may contribute as well. Similar effects play a role when comparing uptake rates in solutions containing both Co2+ and Na+, with Co2+ extraction clearly preferred over that of Na+. Observed differences in Co2+ uptake in the presence of a salting-out agent (NaCl, KCl and NH4Cl) can be explained in terms of the hydration energy of the salting out cation, the higher this hydration energy, the higher the Co2+ uptake by the IL.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100097
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Ionic Liquids
Volume4
Issue number1
Early online date1 May 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024

Keywords

  • UT-Gold-D
  • Ionic liquids
  • Metal extraction
  • Salting out agent
  • Solvent extraction
  • Statistical analysis
  • Thermodynamics
  • Hydration energy

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