Synergistic Extraction of Gold by Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric Acid - Isodecanol

Objective and Background: Synergistic extraction was introduced to replace single extraction due to enhanced extraction efficiency of heavy metal. Methodology: In order to improve extraction efficiency, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) was mixed with isodecanol to provide a synergistic effect together with leaching solution which is thiourea. From the single extraction system, the optimum temperature is found at 30°C producing the highest yield of %E of 91.30%. The single extraction also happened better with the presence of Fe(III) solution and thiourea as the %E is at 91.23%. Results and Conclusion: It was found that the synergistic D2EHPA-isodecanol extraction is successful as it yields higher %E than the single D2EHPA extraction.