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

摘要

Process for the liquid-liquid extraction of gallium from basic aqueous solutions, particularly sodium aluminate liquor provided from the production of alumina in the Bayer process, by means of an organic extraction agent. The organic mixture of the extraction product comprising a solvent and a substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline also contains an organic phosphorus compound. The addition of the phosphorus compound imparts to the extraction agent mixture a higher extraction rate for the extraction of gallium from the aluminate liquor. This rate exceeds that of extraction agents known heretofore.