Separation of Molybdenum(VI) and Uranium(VI) through Supported Liquid Membrane Containing α-Hydroxy Oxime as a Mobile Carrier

Abstract

The solvent extraction of molybdenum(VI) and uranium(VI) with α-hydroxy oxime, 5, 8- diethyl-7-hydroxydodecan-6-one oxime (LIX 63) and their stripping behavior have been investigated. A cationic species of Mo(VI) was preferentially extracted in an acidic region, and the extraction was greatly depressed above pH 4. Uranium(VI) species were extracted in a nearly neutral region and selectively stripped with a dilute acid. The transport of these metal complexes across a supported liquid membrane (SLM) has been investigated employing LIX 63 as a mobile carrier. Uranium(VI) was selectively transported on the product side, while Mo(VI) species was retained in the SLM in the low pH region and remained in the feed solution in the nearly neutral region. This improves their mutual separation, and only U(VI) was recovered in the product solution, depressing the transport of Mo(VI).