The use of an organophosphinic acid to separate cobalt from nickel by solvent extraction is described. Comparative data indicate that the phosphinic acid is superior to analagous phosphoric and phosphonic acids in terms of cobalt-nickel selectivity and the ability to reject calcium. Important reagent properties, such as low aqueous solubility and hydrolytic stability, are discussed. The results of continuous, counter-current, mini-plant tests demonstrate the recovery of high purity cobalt from concentrated nickel sulphate solutions.
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Rickelton et al. (1984) studied this question.