Extraction and separation of Pt(IV)/Rh(III) from acidic chloride solutions using Aliquat 336

Extraction and separation of Pt(IV)/Rh(III) from chloride solutions using Aliquat 336 (Quaternary ammonium salt made by the methylation of mixed tri octyl/decyl amine) diluted in kerosene as an extractant/synergist alone and mixed with organophosphorous extractants as synergists/extractants were carried out from an aqueous feed containing 0.0005 mol L(-1) Pt(IV)/Rh(III). Variation of hydrochloric acid concentration of aqueous phase from 0.005 to 10.0 mol L(-1) increased the percentage extraction of platinum up to 5.0 mol L(-1) there after it decreases. Whereas in the case of rhodium, from 0.005 to 1.0 mol L(-1) acid range the percentage extraction was decreased from 1.0 to 10.0 mol L(-1) acid range is favorable for extraction. Platinum(IV)/rhodium(III) separation factor of 279.2 was obtained at 1.0 mol L(-1) HCl concentration with 0.005 mol L(-1) Aliquat 336 and separation factor of 612.3 was obtained at 3.0 mol L(-1) HCl concentration with 0.01 mol L(-1) Aliquat 336. The present study optimized the various experimental parameters like phase contact time, effect of extractant, salts, temperature, loading capacity of extractant, stripping studies with various mineral acids/bases, recycling and reusing capacity of extractant up to ten cycles. (C) 2009 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.