Liquid-liquid extraction of gallium(III) with LIX 26

A method for the extraction of gallium(III) with LLX 26 in n-decanol as a moderator has been studied. The extraction of gallium(III) was found to be quantitative with 10 vol% LIX 26 (alkyl substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline) as extractant, 10 vol% n-decanol as modifier and kerosene as diluent. At 1:1 organic to aqueous phase ratio at 30degreesC, 99% of gallium was recovered in 30 min. The effect of various parameters such as LIX 26 concentration, n-decanol concentration, time to achieve equilibrium, variation of pH, and temperature on the extraction of gallium(III) were also studied. The stoichiometry of the extracted species of gallium(III) was determined. The extraction of gallium(III) proceeds through a cation exchange mechanism and the extracted species is in the GaL3 form. The equilibrium constant and thermodynamic functions Enthalpy (DeltaH), Entropy (DeltaS), and Free Energy (DeltaG) in the extraction of gallium(III) with LIX 26 have been evaluated. The extraction reaction was an exothermic process.