Selective recovery of nickel from industrial effluents by supported liquid membranes (SLM) and modified electrodialysis (MED)

In metal recovery, extraction by liquid and solid ion exchangers is of growing concern. For liquid ion exchangers, the use of Supported Liquid Membranes and for solid ion exchangers, Modified Electrodialysis can Improve the extraction and extend its application field to the recovery of metal ions from wastewater(2). Several studies(3 4) demonstrate the possibilities of an efficient SLM and MED extraction technology. However, between a principle and a running process, a large gap has to be filled up with concrete and specialised know-how. Trying to contribute to this goal, this paper presents the selection of the membranes, extractants and diluents useful in SLM and in solid-ion exchangers and ion-exchange membranes for MED. Also we will present the working parameter of the first pilot plants for Ni recuperation.