• Resources Recycling
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.3-9
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• 2016

Separation of Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) from sulfuric acid solutions was investigated by extraction with several acidic extractants such as Versatic acid, LIX 63, and Cyanex 301. From strong sulfuric acid solutions, the separation of Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) by Versatic acid and LIX 63 was not possible, while selective extraction of Hf(IV) over Zr(IV) was obtained with Cyanex 301. However, the extraction percentage of the two metals was much lower compared to that by D2EHPA. Mixing of TBP with Cyanex 301 and D2EHPA led to negative effect on the extraction and separation of the two metal ions. The difference in the extraction reaction and separation selectivity between HCl, $HNO_3$ and $H_2SO_4$ media with each extractant was discussed.