Metal Extraction & Stripping Agents

Solvent Extraction Reagents

Used for selective separation of metals in SX circuits:Used to aggregate suspended solids and improve sedimentation:

1. LIX® 984N-C – Copper extraction reagent
2. Cyanex® 272 – Cobalt and nickel separation
3. D2EHPA (Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid) – Zinc and rare earth extraction
4. TOA (Tri-n-octylamine) – Used for uranium, molybdenum, and rare earth recovery
5. Aliquat® 336 (Methyltrioctylammonium chloride) – Quaternary ammonium salt for anion exchange and selective metal separation
6. TBP (Tributyl phosphate) – Uranium and thorium recovery

Stripping Solutions

Designed to recover loaded metals and regenerate organic phases:

• Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) – Common stripping agent for copper
• Hydrochloric acid (HCl) – Used in rare earth and iron stripping
• Ammonia solution (NH₃) – For nickel and cobalt systems

Chelating Agents

Enhance metal selectivity and stability:

• EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) – Broad-spectrum metal binding
• DTPA (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) – High-affinity chelator for heavy metals
• Citric acid – Mild chelation and pH buffering

Phase Separation Enhancers

Improve clarity and disengagement in SX operations:

• Isodecanol – Reduces emulsion formation
• 2-Ethylhexanol – Enhances phase separation in organic systems

Acidic & Alkaline Washes

Used for cleaning, regeneration, and pH control:

• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) – Alkaline wash for organic phase regeneration
• Nitric acid (HNO₃) – Used in stripping and cleaning cycles