Continuous Solvent Extraction Using Versatic Acid 10 for the Production of High-Purity Nickel Sulfate

Sanghun Bae; Jinyoung Je; Hyunwoo Shim; Gunwoo Lim; Hongin Kim

doi:10.7844/kirr.2025.34.3.43

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2025 Vol.34, Issue 3 Preview Page Next Page

Research Paper

Continuous Solvent Extraction Using Versatic Acid 10 for the Production of High-Purity Nickel Sulfate 고순도 황산니켈 제조를 위한 Versatic Acid 10 연속식 용매추출 기술

30 June 2025. pp. 43-50

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Abstract

In this study, a solvent extraction-based process was developed to produce high-purity nickel sulfate from a low-grade nickel-containing sulfuric acid solution using the carboxylic acid extractant Versatic Acid 10. pH isotherm experiments with various extractants revealed that Versatic Acid 10 exhibits stable extraction behavior even under high sodium ion (Na⁺) concentrations, along with excellent selectivity for nickel ions. Based on McCabe–Thiele analysis, the optimal number of extraction stages and the organic-to-aqueous (O/A) phase ratio were determined. A counter-current simulation was then performed to model a continuous extraction process. The process was subsequently validated using a laboratory-scale mixer–settler unit operated under the simulated conditions. As a result, a nickel recovery rate exceeding 99% was achieved, with the final strip solution containing 105 g/L of Ni and impurity concentrations below 100 ppm. This process demonstrates a promising core technology for the production of high-purity nickel sulfate from low-grade feedstocks and is expected to facilitate the localization of battery-grade materials and the advancement of resource recycling.

Keywords

Solvent extraction

Versatic Acid 10

Mixer–Settler

High-purity nickel sulfate

본 연구에서는 저순도 니켈이 함유된 황산 용액을 대상으로, 유기산계 추출제인 Versatic Acid 10을 활용한 용매추출 기반 고순도 황산 니켈 제조 공정을 개발하였다. 다양한 추출제에 대한 pH isotherm 실험을 통해 Versatic Acid 10이 높은 소듐 농도 조건에서도 안정적인 추출 특성을 보이며, 니켈에 대한 선택성이 우수함을 확인하였다. McCabe–Thiele 해석을 기반으로 최적 추출 단수 및 O/A 비율을 설정하고, 이를 바탕으로 연속 공정을 모사한 counter-current simulation을 수행하였다. 이후 실험실 규모의 믹서 세틀러 장치를 구성하여 연속 공정을 가동한 결과, 니켈 회수율 99% 이상, 최종 탈거액 내 니켈 농도 105 g/L, 불순물은 100 ppm 수준 이내로 확인되었다. 본 공정은 저순도 니켈 함유 원료를 활용한 고순도 황산 니켈 제조 기술로서, 배터리 소재 국산화 및 자원 리사이클링 고도화에 기여할 수 있는 기반 기술로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

키워드

용매추출

Versatic Acid 10

Mixer–Settler

고순도 황산 니켈

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Information

Publisher :The Korean Institute of Resources Recycling
Publisher(Ko) :한국자원리싸이클링학회
Journal Title :Resources Recycling
Journal Title(Ko) :자원리싸이클링
Volume : 34
No :3
Pages :43-50
Received Date : 2025-05-13
Revised Date : 2025-06-18
Accepted Date : 2025-06-19
DOI :https://doi.org/10.7844/kirr.2025.34.3.43

Resources Recycling ISSN:2765-3439(Print) 2765-3447(Online) 자원리싸이클링

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