Copper Extraction From Aqueous Solution By Organic Solvents Of TBP And D2EHPA In Buffer Solution

Organic solvents of TBP and D2EHPA were used to extract copper from aqueous phase in the buffer solution. This study was performed in order to obtain optimized conditions for copper extraction from low grade copper oxide ores by hydrometallurgical processes. In this regard, the following parameters were studied: the effect of organic solvents synergism, the ratio of TBP:MIBK, the buffer solution pH, the concentration of buffer solution agent (sodium acetate) and the ratio of aqueous to organic phase (A:O). The results showed that under conditions of: synergism of TBP (Tri-n-Butyl Phosphate), MIBK (Methyl Iso-Butyl ketone) and D2EHPA (D-2-Ethyl Hexyl phosphoric acid), TBP:MIBK= 7:3, pH=5, concentration of sodium acetate= 1 milli mole and A:O= 1:1; more than 99% of copper could be extracted.