Separation Properties of Ni and Co with Extractant Impregnated-Activated Carbon

The organic solvent is a liquid organic compound capable of dissolving a water-insoluble compound. In the solvent extraction method which is one of metal refining techniques, the large amount of organic solvent plays an important role not only to solubilize the extractant but also to affect the extraction behavior of metal complexes formed in the organic phase. However, most organic solvents have high volatility and toxicity, and their use is limited owing to health damage and environmental burden. In this study, we synthesized activated carbon impregnated extractant without organic solvent and aimed to separate Co and Ni. Specifically, activated carbon was impregnated with 2-isonitrosopropiophenone as extractant, and the effect on Ni and Co separation characteristics was investigated. As a result, the activated carbon was able to selectively adsorb Co over Ni compared to toluene diluent and that this activated carbon had high adsorption capacity for Co and leakage of extractant lower.