EXTRACTION OF TANTALUM FROM TANTALITE ORE SOLUTION USING SOLVENT-IMPREGNATED SORBENT CARBONIZED AT 350°C AND ACTIVATED WITH 0.5 M HYDROFLUORIC ACID

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Abstract
Solvent- impregnated sorbent extraction of tantalum is reported. Tantalum was effectively extracted with 3500C carbonized and activated with 0.5 M hydrofluoric acid and impregnated with methyl isobutyl ketone from hydrofluoric acid leached tantalite ore. The transport study of tantalum ions through a supported solvent-impregnated based sorbent (coconut shell) has been carried out using a design expert (RSM). Factors affecting extraction of tantalum was studied via pH, temperature and contact time is discussed. The final extracts of tantalum complex were directly inserted after colour development in the spectrophotometer for absorbance measurement which enhances the sensitivity. It was observed that at a pH of 1, a temperature of 28oC and at a contact time of 5 minutes, the percentage (%) tantalum extraction was decreased to 53.37% and it was observed that at a pH of 1, an increased temperature of 68oC and at a contact time of 30 minutes, the percentage (%) tantalum extraction was increased to 91.55%. the sorbent under study can therefore be used as alternative in order to reduce the high cost of conventional adsorbent used in extraction management.
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