Extraction separation of Cu(II) and Co(II) from sulfuric solutions by hollow fiber renewal liquid membrane

Extraction separation of Cu(II) and Co(II) from sulfuric wastewater is studied with hollow fiber renewal liquid membrane (HFRLM) technique. The organic solution of LIX 984N in kerosene is used as the liquid membrane phase to selectively separate and concentrate Cu(II) from aqueous solution; and the extractant of CYANEX 272 is used as carrier to remove and concentrate Co(II) from aqueous solution. In the selective separation process, LIX 984N has good selectivity on Cu(II); the interactions among metal ions can be negligible; the pH in the feed aqueous solution has significant influence, while the influence of hydrogen ion concentration in the stripping phase is slight. The removal efficiency of Cu(II) increases with the increasing flow rate on lumen side, while decreases with the increasing flow rate on shell side. The results of lab-scale cascade experiments show that the HFRLM technique is a promising treatment method for simulated sulfuric wastewater containing copper and cobalt with separation factor higher than 100. The Cu(II) and Co(II) concentrations in the raffinate are lower than 0.50 mg L−1 and 1.0 mg L−1, respectively, which are both below the standard of wastewater discharge in China. Based on the surface renewal theory, resistance-in-series model and mass balance law, a corresponding mass transfer mathematical model is developed; and the calculated results are in good agreement with experimental data.

Research highlights▶ Multicomponent wastewater treatment by a new liquid membrane technique. ▶ Selective extraction characteristics of hollow fiber renewal liquid membrane. ▶ Two extractant for selective extraction of copper and cobalt. ▶ Mathematical mass transfer model based on the surface renewal theory.