Solvent extraction of In~(3+) with microreactor from leachant containing Fe~(2+) and Zn~(2+)

摘要

The microreactor has been developed for a wide range of applications because of many advantages, such as high mass transfer efficiency, low energy consumption and the closed and safe system. The application of micro-reactors in the traditional hydrometallurgy extraction process is expected to overcome difficulties such as co-extraction of impurities, large consumption of extractant and hidden fire risks. In this study, the extraction and separation efficiency of In~(3+) from a complex sulfate solution containing impurities, such as Fe~(2+) and Zn~(2+), were studied. The microreactor extraction was carried out in a Pyrex microchip, and the organic phase was prepared with the extractant di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) diluted in 260# kerosene. The results showed that with only 0.55 s contact between the organic and aqueous phases, the extraction ratio of In~(3+) can reach 90.80%, while only 0.16% of Fe~(2+) and 0.22% of Zn~(2+) were co-extracted; the average mass transfer speed of In~(3+) was calculated as high as 0.34 g·m ~(-2)·s~(-1). Compared with the traditional mixing settler process, microreactor extraction has advantages of higher extraction ratio of In~(3+), lower trend of co-extraction of the impurities and emulsification.