Non-aqueous solvent extraction of metals in sonicated milliflow reactors.

Solvent extraction, also known as liquid-liquid extraction, is an important unit process used by the metallurgical industry for the recovery, separation and purification of critical metals. Solvent extraction is based on the distribution of metal ions between two immiscible liquid phases, often an aqueous and organic phase. The NERO project investigates the case of non-aqueous solvent extraction, which is based on the distribution of metal ions between two immiscible organic phases. This allows to get different and more favourable selectivities compared to aqueous solutions, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the process. Specific for this doctoral research, the intensification of solvent extraction technology using ionic liquids will be investigated for small-volume yet high-value streams containing metals. The project results enable to increase the efficiency of separation processes in the materials and chemical industry and as a whole aim to contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly society.