Extraction of Zr from Na_2CO_3 Solution by Quaternary Ammonium Salt

The dissolution mechanism of Zr-DBP crud in Na_2CO_3 solution is studied by both infrared spectrum analysis and extraction of Zr-DBP cruds by quaternary ammonium salt in Na_2CO_3 solution. The results show that the main reason of crud dissolved in Na_2CO_3 solution is that a new complex ion, either Zr(CO_3)_4 4- or ZrO(CO_3)_3 4- or both, is formed by the complex of Zr and CO_3 2- . Infrared analysis result shows that the peak of P=O double bond of Zr-DBP in Na_2CO_3 solution is closer to the peak of pure HDBP than to the peak of Zr-DBP crud. It shows that the organic complex is destroyed after crud is dissolved in Na_2CO_3 solution. DBP is not combined with Zr any more and exists as a free ion.