Adsorption of Niobium and Tantalum Contained in a Tin Slag Leachate by Ion Exchange Resins: Equilibrium Isotherms, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies

摘要

Abstract With the development of advanced technologies, the need for new sources of strategic metals such as niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta) has raised the possibility of obtaining these metals from secondary sources. However, there is a paucity of information in the literature on the study of adsorption for niobium and tantalum on secondary materials. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the performance of three ion exchange chelating resins in the recovery of niobium and tantalum from an acidic solution generated from the leaching of tin slag. The effects of pH, resin dosage, contact time, and temperature were evaluated. The Dowex XUS 43605 resin showed higher selectivity for Nb and Ta compared to the Dowex? M4195 and Lewatit? TP 207 resins. By the study of the isotherms, the Langmuir and Temkin models obtained better fits of the experimental data. In addition, the thermodynamic parameters indicated a spontaneous and endothermic process. The maximum adsorption capacity with percentual () adsorption/removal of the resins for Nb and Ta was approximately 77 and 81, respectively. Therefore, ion exchange resins show promise in obtaining niobium and tantalum from secondary sources.Graphical Abstract