Recovery of Mo and Bi from Used Sohio Catalyst

Abstract

We have developed a new process for recovery of Mo and Bi from used Sohio catalyst. Mo was preciptated as (NH₄)₃[PMo₁₂O₄] in the presence of PO₄^3- and NH ⁴⁺ on the HNO₃ decomposition of used catalyst and was recovered as (NH₄)₆[Mo₇O₂₄]4 H₂0. Bi was separated as BiC1O by neutralization from leaching solution containing Bi³⁺ and Fe₃₊. Then, metallic B i was obtained by reduction of BiCIO with carbon in molten alkali. Recoveries of Bi and Mo reached 85, -90%, and 85-88%, and their purities were 99.99% and 99%, respectively.