Solvent Extraction and Separation of Hafnium from Zirconium with DIBK

Solvent extraction and separation between zirconium and hafnium under acid medium were carried out with diisobutyl ketone(DIBK) as extractant and TBP or P204 as additive.The effects of acid medium,TBP addition,P204 addition and salting-out agent(NH4)2SO4 addition on the extraction and separation of hafnium from zirconium were investigated,respectively.The results show that DIBK selectively extracts the hafnium only in HSCN medium,and the extraction rate of hafnium and separation factor of hafnium and zirconium can significantly be improved when TBP or P204 is added.The separation factor of hafnium from zirconium is 9,and the extraction and separation of zirconium and hafnium with DIBK is similar to the performance of MIBK.