Liquid-liquid extraction process of gallium from aqueous basic solutions using an organic extractant

摘要

The process of liquid-liquid extraction of gallium from sodium aluminate liquor used in the Bayer alumina process, uses an organic extractant comprising a diluent and a substituted hydroxyquinoline such that gallium and some aluminum are extracted into the organic phase. In five successive steps, the organic extractant solution loaded with gallium and aluminum is first contacted with an aqueous mineral acid solution, during which the acid solution strips the loaded solution of gallium and aluminum. Next, the phases are separated and a chloride salt or hydrochloric acid is dissolved in the acidic solution of gallium and aluminum which is then contacted with an organic solvent, e.g. n-butyl acetate. Aluminum remains in the aqueous acid solution whereas the organic solvent becomes loaded with gallium. After the phases have been separated, the organic solvent is separated from gallium chloride, which forms the feed for producing pure gallium.