Separation of Magnesium Impurity from Nickel and Cobalt Mixtures Using Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid and Temperature Optimization

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This study aims to develop a process for separating magnesium from nickel and cobalt pregnant leach solutions, overcoming the limitations of conventional metal separation techniques. The process utilizes ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for complexation, selectively binding with nickel and cobalt to reduce their coprecipitation with magnesium. Thermodynamic simulations and kinetic experiments are conducted at varying temperatures (25, 50, and 75 °C) to optimize the complexation and separation efficiency. The research demonstrates that increasing the temperature significantly accelerates the complexation kinetics, reducing the required time to less than 1 h. At 75 °C, over 98% of magnesium was selectively removed with minimal coprecipitation of nickel and cobalt (less than 2%). The study also highlights the reusability of EDTA, enhancing the process’s economic and environmental viability. The developed process offers a rapid alternative to conventional methods for separating magnesium from nickel and cobalt mixtures. This method has potential applications in other industrial processes, particularly in hydrometallurgy, where rapid and selective metal separation is crucial. Further research is suggested to refine the process for specific industrial applications, focusing on scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental aspects. The adaptability of the method to other metal systems also presents an exciting avenue for future exploration in the metal processing industries.