Separating W(VI) and Mo(VI) by two-step acid decomposition

A two-step acid decomposition method is proposed to separate tungsten and molybdenum from W(VI)-Mo(VI) mixed solution. The first step is used to precipitate H2WO4 and H2MoO4. The second step is adopted to leach H2MoO4 from the mixed acid precipitate selectively to achieve separation of W(VI) and Mo(VI). The Mo/WO3 mass ratio in a synthetic leach liquor can reach 440 via the above two steps. In addition, thermal decomposition of peroxy W and Mo acid mixed solution was used to separate a macro amount of W and Mo. After separation under experimental conditions, the Mo/WO3 mass ratio in the solution and WO3/Mo mass ratio in the precipitate reached 74 and 4.1, respectively.