Selective Recovery of Iron by Solvent Extraction from Ni-Laterite Leach Solutions, as Precursor for the Synthesis of High Added-Value Nanomaterials

Iron is the major impurity in pregnant leaching solutions (PLS) derived from heap and atmospheric acid of low-grade laterite ores. The PLS can be considered as a secondary resource for synthesis high added-value iron nanomaterials, provided that selectively separated polymetallic solution. In this study, feasibility selective separation was investigated by applying solvent extraction technique based on use Di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric (D2EHPA) Tri-butyl phosphate (TBP) extractants. effect several parameters such initial pH composition studied to identify conditions allowing maximum possible with minimum co-extraction other valuable metals. It found best Fe could obtained when aqueous phase regulated close 1.4. recovery loaded organic using sulfuric stripping reagent elemental solid reducing agent. 90% Fe(III) stripped out metallic (galvanic) stripping.