Effect of Coexisting Aluminum on Solvent Extraction of Gallium from Mixed Aqueous Solutions with 2-Bromodecanoic Acid

Abstract

The effects of coexisting Al ion on the extraction equilibrium and the extraction rate of Ga with 2-bromodecanoic acid (2BDA) have been studied. It was found that both distribution ratio and extraction rate of Ga increase when Al ion coexists. The results of the equilibrium experiment showed that Ga was coextracted with Al. The extraction equilibrium and equilibrium constant of Ga-Al mixed-metal calboxylate complex were determined, and experimental results could be explained by the formation of the complex. On the other hand, from the results of the initial Ga extraction rate experiment, there is no evidence of Ga-Al coextraction. Thus, the acceleration mechanism taking account of the equilibrium of hydroxide complex species in the aqueous phase is proposed and the tendency of experimental results can be explained by the model.