Selective separation of trace nickel(II) and gold(I) ions via hollow fiber supported liquid membrane enhanced by synergistic extractants D2EHPA/TBP

Abstract

This work presents the selective and simultaneous separation of nickel (Ni2+) and gold ([Au(CN)2]−) ions, in trace amounts, from alkaline solution via hollow fiber supported liquid membrane (HFSLM) technique. HFSLM is challengingly carried out in real rinse wastewater generated by the ENIG plating process. The influence of various chemical parameters, including the type of extractant and their concentrations, molar ratios of mixed extractant as well as type of strippant, are also studied. The organophosphorus extractant mixtures of D2EHPA and TBP provide a synergistic effect for target Ni2+ ions but has an antagonistic effect as regards the extraction of non-target [Au(CN)2]− ions. Compared to other inorganic acids, HCl is seen to be the most suitable strippant for the selective stripping. Results demonstrate that percentages of extraction and stripping of Ni2+ ions achieved 85.7 and 83.2%, respectively. In contrast, percentages of extraction and stripping of non-target [Au(CN)2]− ions attained 15.6 and 1.94%.

Keywords

• Hollow fiber supported liquid membrane
• Electroless nickel immersion gold plating
• Rinse wastewater
• Gold(I)
• Nickel(II)