Loading patent…
AssigneeIdaho Research Foundation, Inc.
InventorsChien M. Wai, Neil G. Smart, Cindy Phelps
Estimating the term…
A method for separating a desired metal or metalloi from impurities using a supercritical extraction process based on solubility differences between the components, as well as the ability to vary the solvent power of the supercritical fluid, is described. The use of adduct-forming agents, such as phosphorous-containing ligands, to separate metal or metalloid chelates in such processes is further disclosed. In preferred embodiments, the extraction solvent is supercritical carbon dioxide and the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of β-diketones; phosphine oxides, such as trialkylphosphine oxides, triarylphosphine oxides and alkylarylphosphine oxides; phosphinic acids; carboxylic acids; phosphates, such as trialkylphosphates, triarylphosphates and alkylarylphosphates; crown ethers; dithiocarbamates; phosphine sulfides; phosphorothioic acids; thiophosphinic acids; halogenated analogs of these chelating agents; and mixtures of these chelating agents. In especially preferred embodiments, at least one of the chelating agents is fluorinated.
A method for extracting a metal or metalloid, comprising:
A method for extracting an actinide or a lanthanide from an oxide thereof and purifying the extracted actinide or lanthanide, comprising:
A method for separating metal and metalloid chelates formed during a supercritical fluid extraction process, comprising:
A method for separating a metal or metalloid chelate from other metal chelates, metalloid chelates, chelating agents, impurities, and combinations thereof, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.