DY272 nickel cobalt extractant

Chemical name: Bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid

CAS: 83411-71-6

EC No.: 280-445-7

Formula: C16H35O2P

Mol. wt.: 290.42

Concentration: ≥94%

UN number: 3082

Transport Hazard class: 9

Packing group: III

DY272 is a solvent extraction reagent specifically designed for the extraction of nickel and cobalt, two important metals in the hydrometallurgical processing of ores and concentrates. It is part of a family of extractants used in the recovery and purification of nickel and cobalt from complex aqueous solutions, such as those generated during the leaching of laterite ores or the processing of other nickel-cobalt-bearing materials.

Below is an overview of DY272 and its role in the extraction of nickel and cobalt:

1. Chemical Composition and Structure

• DY272 is typically based on a hydroxyoxime chemistry, which is a class of extractants known for their ability to selectively extract divalent metal ions, particularly nickel (Ni2?) and cobalt (Co2?). These reagents form stable complexes with the target metals by coordinating with the metal ions through the hydroxyl and oxime functional groups.

• The molecular structure of DY272 includes the hydroxyoxime group (–C(=NOH)OH), which interacts with metal ions to form a neutral complex that is soluble in the organic phase (often a hydrocarbon solvent such as kerosene or a similar diluent) while remaining insoluble in the aqueous phase.

2. Function in Nickel and Cobalt Extraction

• Extraction Process: In the solvent extraction process, DY272 is used to transfer nickel and cobalt from the aqueous phase into the organic phase. This is typically done by mixing the aqueous solution containing the metal ions with the organic phase containing DY272. The metal ions form a complex with the extractant, which is then transferred into the organic phase.

• Selectivity: DY272 is designed to have a high selectivity for nickel and cobalt over other metals like iron, magnesium, calcium, or aluminum, which are commonly present in the feed solution. This selectivity is crucial to minimize the extraction of undesired elements and reduce the need for additional purification steps.

• Separation of Metal Ions: Once nickel and cobalt are extracted into the organic phase, the organic phase can be separated from the aqueous phase. The metal-loaded organic phase can then be stripped with an acidic solution (typically sulfuric acid) to recover the nickel and cobalt in a more concentrated form. The stripped organic phase can then be reused in the extraction process.

3. Properties of DY272

• Physical Form: DY272 is typically a liquid reagent that is dissolved in an organic solvent such as kerosene or a similar hydrocarbon-based solvent. It is available in a concentrated form, which is then diluted to the appropriate concentration for extraction.

• Solubility: DY272 is soluble in organic solvents (like kerosene, xylene, or other similar diluents) but is generally insoluble in water, which allows for effective phase separation between the organic and aqueous phases.

• Stability: The reagent is chemically stable under typical operating conditions, which include a range of temperatures and pH levels found in solvent extraction processes. It remains effective for extended periods, especially in industrial applications.

4. Advantages of DY272

• High Selectivity: One of the key advantages of DY272 is its selectivity for nickel and cobalt over other base metals, which helps to improve the purity of the final nickel and cobalt products and reduces the need for additional purification steps.

• Efficient Recovery: DY272 facilitates the extraction of nickel and cobalt from complex ores or leach solutions, allowing for high recovery rates. This makes it particularly useful in operations where high-purity metals are required.

• Minimal Co-extraction of Impurities: By selectively extracting nickel and cobalt, DY272 minimizes the co-extraction of other metals (such as iron or magnesium), which could otherwise contaminate the final product or complicate downstream processing.

• Flexibility in Operation: DY272 can be used in a variety of solvent extraction configurations, including Counter-Current Decantation (CCD), Mixer-Settler Systems, and other solvent extraction systems.

5. Applications of DY272

• Nickel and Cobalt Recovery: DY272 is primarily used in the recovery of nickel and cobalt from leach solutions. These solutions can come from various sources, including the leaching of laterite ores, sulfide ores, or pregnant leach solutions (PLS) from heap leaching or tank leaching operations.

• Purification of Nickel and Cobalt: In some cases, DY272 is also used to purify solutions containing nickel and cobalt, particularly when these metals are mixed with other impurities that need to be removed.

• Hydrometallurgical Nickel and Cobalt Plants: DY272 is commonly used in large-scale hydrometallurgical plants dedicated to processing nickel and cobalt, often as part of a broader solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) process or in conjunction with other metal recovery techniques.

• Recycling of Cobalt: DY272 is also used in the recycling of cobalt from scrap materials, including batteries and other metal-containing waste products. This is an increasingly important application as demand for cobalt grows, especially in the battery and electric vehicle sectors.

6. Operational Considerations

• Concentration and Dosage: The concentration of DY272 in the organic phase is critical to the efficiency of the extraction process. The optimum concentration depends on factors such as the metal content of the leach solution, the specific characteristics of the ore being processed, and the required purity of the final metal product.

• pH Range: The pH of the aqueous phase is an important factor in the extraction process. DY272 generally operates effectively in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (pH 3–6), which is typical for the extraction of nickel and cobalt from leach solutions.

• Temperature: The extraction process is typically carried out at moderate temperatures (20-40°C). Higher temperatures may affect the stability of the extractant and the efficiency of the extraction.

• Stripping Conditions: Once the metal has been extracted into the organic phase, it is typically stripped using a dilute sulfuric acid solution to recover the nickel and cobalt. The concentration and pH of the stripping solution must be carefully controlled to achieve optimal recovery.

8. Conclusion

DY272 is a highly effective and selective extractant for nickel and cobalt, playing an essential role in modern hydrometallurgical nickel-cobalt recovery processes. Its high selectivity for nickel and cobalt, coupled with its efficiency in extracting metals from complex leach solutions, makes it a valuable tool for the mining and metals industry, especially in operations involving laterite or mixed metal ores. Proper handling, process optimization, and environmental considerations are critical to maximizing its effectiveness and minimizing any environmental impact.

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