Liquid–liquid extraction, sometimes also called solvent extraction, is an important separation technology for a variety of applications in the chemical process industry, including the petrochemical, food, pharmaceutical, and metal industries.
In this article, the basics of liquid–liquid extraction are discussed, including phase formation and equilibrium representation. Apparatus characteristics and advice on suitable solvent selection are given. Finally, examples of applications from the fields of biotechnology, phytoprocesses, and hydrometallurgy are presented and current and future developments and trends are discussed.