Extraction and separation of In(III), Ga(III) and Zn(II) from sulfate solution using extraction resin

The separation of In(III), Ga(III) and Zn(II) from sulfate solution has been studied using an extraction resin containing 2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester (P507 extraction resin). The effect of pH on the extraction of each metal was determined. Extraction isotherms were then constructed at selected pH. Results show that In(III) is first extracted from aqueous solutions at pH 2.0 using this resin while Ga(III) and Zn(II) are co-extracted at pH 3.0. Their separation can be carried out using HCl of different concentrations as eluants. The saturation adsorption capabilities of indium(III) and gallium(III) were evaluated as 47.2 and 31.0 mg/g or 0.41 and 0.44 mmol/g, respectively. The molar ratio of metal ion: P507 reagent on resin was about 1:3. Loaded resins can be regenerated, and the metals can be recovered selectively. Two fixed-bed columns arranged in-series were successfully used for the separation and recovery of these three metal ions from a multi-component solution.