Laboratory investigation demonstrates tunable liquid-liquid extraction of critical metals using amphiphilic metal salts, suggesting streamlined recycling for battery and electronic waste.
Key Points
To develop and evaluate metal alkyl ether carboxylates as self-extracting, amphiphilic metal salts for simplified critical metal recovery from secondary resources.
Formulated metal alkyl ether carboxylate (MAEC) systems modeled on battery-recycling and electronic-waste streams containing transition metals (Mn, Co, Ni, Cu).
Screened organic solvents and varied temperature, pH, ionic strength, ligand structure, and metal concentrations during liquid–liquid extraction.
Conducted sequential extraction cycles and extended testing to alkali metals (Li, Na) and rare earth elements (Y, La, Eu).
Observed a consistent extraction selectivity sequence of Mn < Co < Ni < Cu across diverse solvents under mild conditions.
Achieved phase partitioning governed by metal-carboxylate interactions and anion hydrophobicity without requiring externally added extractants.
Maintained extraction performance across repeated sequential cycles and demonstrated broad separation applicability to alkali metals and rare earth elements.