Separation of Cobalt and Nickel from Sulfate Solutions

Abstract

Abstract. Separation of cobalt and nickel from sulfate solutions was studied, using the sodium hypochlorite solution as the oxidant of Co 2+ . The cobalt removal rate reached 98% while Ni 2+ was hardly oxidized at 80˚C, 1h, pH 2.3 and Co 2+ /ClO -molar ratio of 1:15. Solution pH and the amount of ClO -had more significant influences on oxidation of Co 2+ and Ni 2+ . Increasing temperature could improve the filtration performance of the solid product. The Co 2+ oxidation product was CoOOH. Adding the sodium hypochlorite solution in more than one times could inhibit the Ni 2+ oxidation to NiOOH.