Extraction and separation of cobalt(II), copper(II) and manganese(II) by Cyanex272, PC-88A and their mixtures

Co, Mn and Cu usually coexist in the leachate of waste lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Extraction and separation of Co2+, Cu2+ and Mn2+ from sodium sulfate media by bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid, 2-ethylhexyl phosphinic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester and their mixtures in n-heptane have been investigated in detail. Synergistic enhancement coefficients, extraction reactions, infrared spectra, stripping properties and extraction selectivity were examined. A feasible separation process for recovery and separation of Mn, Cu and Co by the synergistic system was proposed and the mixed extractants could be used for reclaiming Mn, Cu and Co from the leachate of waste LIBs.

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► Mixture of Cyanex272 and PC-88A has an evident synergistic effect on Mn, Co and Cu.
► It is superior to single Cyanex272 for the extractability and selectivity.
► The maximum synergistic enhancement coefficients are at XCyanex272 around 0.5.
► Extraction reactions are different for the single and mixed systems.
► A feasible separation scheme for Mn, Co and Cu has been proposed.