Exploration of Green Processes for Enriching Rhenium from Copper Waste Acid
摘要
A solvent extraction process was investigated for the recovery of rhenium (Re) from copper waste acid, aiming to develop a greener and more environmentally compatible enrichment route. A more environmentally friendly technological process was explored by systematically investigating key influencing factors. These factors included the selection of a novel diluent (isoparaffin IP90), variation of modifier types, adjustment of temperature and acidity, and comparison of operational parameters. Compared to the conventional diluent sulfonated kerosene (260#), the novel diluent isoparaffin was found to offer significantly reduced organic entrainment in the aqueous phase, enhanced Re extraction efficiency, and improved environmental performance. Optimal extraction performance was achieved at an organic-to-aqueous phase ratio (O/A) ranging from 1:6 to 1:8, an acidity level of 0.1 mol/L, and temperatures of 30 °C and 40 °C. Modifiers 2-ethylhexanol and n-octanol were observed to have negligible effects on the extraction behavior. The overall Re extraction efficiency exceeded 93% under integrated process conditions, while the single-stage extraction efficiency reached over 99% under optimized conditions using the N235 extraction system, which also demonstrated superior selectivity.