Extractive separation of zirconium from nitric acid solution with dibutyl sulfoxide in xylene

The extraction of zirconium from nitric acid solution by dibutyl sulfoxide (DBSO) has been investigated as a function of acid (1-9 M), extractant (20-50%) and metal concentration (5.48x10-4-5.48x10-2 M); and temperature (30-50 C). The extraction was found to be independent of metal concentration and temperature in the range studied. The effect of diverse ions and salting-out agent on the extraction has been examined. Phosphate, oxalate and fluoride ions drastically reduce the extraction. The extraction of various impurities that may occur in zirconium ore has also been studied. The separation factors obtained for Na(I), K(I), Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), Al(III), Fe(III) and Ti(IV) are of the order of 104-102. Ammonium bifluoride solution (0.1 M) was proved to be the most effective among various stripping agents tried. The stoichiometric composition of the extracted complex was established to be ZrO(NO3)2 . DBSO. The extractive method so developed was applied to standard ore sample and the measured value was found to be in agreement with the reported value within ±2% deviation. (orig.)