Comparative study of solvent extraction of molybdenum by various extractants

Solvent extraction of molybdenum from various acid media by Alamine 336, Aliquat 336, TOPO, and DEHPA in kerosene was studied. The extraction efficiency of molybdenum by diisobutyl ketone (DIBK), the effects of various parameters like diluents, mineral acids, extractant concentration, and applications of these extractants on molybdenum extraction contained in the uranium-bearing ore solutions were investigated. DIBK used as solvent can indeed extract the molybdenum without adding any extractants in the range of 20-50 mg/L. Molybdenum was extracted by Aliquat 336 in all mineral acids at more than 90%. On the basis of slope analysis, the compositions of the extracted species were expressed by R3NH+ . HMoO4-, MoO2 (NO3)(2) (DEHPA)(2), and H-2 MoO4.TOPO. Extraction from synthetic solutions showed that molybdenum was extracted by TOPO, Aliquat 336, and Alamine 336 at 99% until [Mo] = 5 g/L. For DEHPA the percentage of extraction was decreased from [Mo] = 2 g/L. The application of these extractants for the extraction efficiency of molybdenum contained in uranium-bearing solutions showed that TOPO, Aliquat 336, and Alamine 336 extracted the molybdenum beyond 60% until the fifth contact. As for DEHPA, it was extracted effectively only at the first contact by 66%.