Extraction and recovery of zirconium from zircon using Cyanex 923

A liquid-liquid extraction study has been carried out to recover pure zirconium from zircon using 0.1 mol/ L Cyanex 923 solution in toluene. Some of the parameters influencing the percentage extraction of Zr( IV), such as equilibration time, temperature, and concentration of mineral acid, extractant, and metal ion were investigated. Apparently the rate of extraction of Zr( IV) in Cyanex 923 is reasonably fast. The distribution increases with increasing temperature, suggesting that the reaction is endothermic. The distribution ratio of Zr( IV) is independent of the metal ion concentration in the range 1 x 10(24) to 8.5 x 10(-24) mol/ L, beyond which loading conditions begin. The stoichiometry of the extracted species is observed to be 1: 1 ( metal to extractant). The stability of Cyanex 923 against prolonged contact with nitric acid has been checked and the regeneration capacity of the extractant solution assessed. Based on the distribution data, Zr( IV) has been separated from some commonly associated metal ions, namely U(VI), Th(IV), Ti(IV), Ce(III), Yb(III), Fe(III), Al(III), and Mn(II). The identified conditions of separation have been successfully utilized to recover pure Zr(IV) from multielement mixtures.