Direct extraction of Mo(VI) from acidic leach solution of molybdenite ore by ion exchange resin: Batch and column adsorption studies

The adsorption behavior of ion exchange resin D301 in the extraction of hexavalent molybdenum from high acidic leach solution was investigated. SEM, EDS and Raman spectra analyses were applied to studying the adsorption capacity, reaction kinetics and possible adsorption mechanism in detail. Results showed that the adsorption capacity of D301 resin for molybdenum from high acidic leach solution was up to 463.63 mg/g. Results of the kinetic analysis indicated that the adsorption process was controlled by the particle diffusion with the activation energy 25.47 kJ/mol (0.9-1.2 mm) and 20.38 kJ/mol (0.6-0.9 mm). Furthermore, the molybdenum loaded on the resin could be eluted by using 2 mol/L ammonia hydroxide solution. Besides, dynamic continuous column experiments verified direct extraction of molybdenum from acidic leach solutions by ion exchange resin D301 and the upstream flow improved dynamic continuous absorption.