A continuous ionic liquid extraction process for the separation of cobalt from nickel

A continuous ionic liquid extraction process using the ionic liquid trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride (Cyphos (R) IL 101) has been developed for the selective extraction of cobalt from nickel. The performance of this continuous extraction process is competitive with that of currently applied industrial processes. Moreover, the elimination of volatile odorous compounds from the extraction phase leads to environmentally friendlier and healthier working conditions.