Cyclic method for separating chemical elements present in an aqueous solution

摘要

Cyclic process for the separation of chemical elements E1 and E2 in an aqueous solution by co-extraction in an organic phase, addition of a second extractant, then selective de-extraction of E1 and E2 and separation of the two extractants for re-use. Each cycle of the process comprises the following stages (a) co-extraction of the aqueous solution containing elements E1 and E2 by a liquid phases contact with an organic liquid phases containing a primary extractant enabling migration of the elements into the organic phase; (b) addition to the organic phase of a second extractant which can selectively retain the E2 element(s) in the organic phase during the next stage; (c) selective de-extraction of element(s) E1 from the organic phase with an aqueous solution able to withdraw the element(s) from the organic phase; (d) selective de-extraction of element(s) E2 from the organic phase with an aqueous solution enabling withdrawal of the element(s) E2 from the organic phase; and (e) separation of the first and second extractants from each other for re-use in the following cycle.