Removal of tungsten from molybdate solution by Fe-Mn binary oxide adsorbent

Considering the different geochemical enrichment behaviors of W and Mo, Fe-Mn binary oxide (FMBO), ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)3) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) were studied to separate W from molybdate solution, respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that Fe-Mn binary oxide (FMBO) was the most suitable adsorbent for the separation. Under a wide pH (6.9-11.3) region, more than 80%W removal efficiency and less than 3%Mo loss could be obtained. In addition, the Fe-Mn binary oxide adsorbent can be regenerated by treating with 3 mol/L NaOH, and the W adsorption efficiency was retained after five adsorption-desorption-regeneration cycles. All these indicate that the Fe-Mn binary oxides have the potential for the separation of W from molybdate solution.