Separation of zirconium from hafnium by ion exchange

This work aimed at separating Zr(IV) from Hf(IV) from an acid solution using cationic resin through column experiments. The influence of different inorganic acids in the loading of the resin as well as different organic and inorganic eluents such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, citric and oxalic acids were evaluated. The loading of Zr varied from 1.14 to 1.26 mmol g−1 and for Hf it varied from 0.041 to 0.140 mmol g−1. Elution with 0.5 M oxalic acid was the best option for the separation of these elements. The elution removed 100% of the Zr and 70% of the Hf. The final product contains 1% Hf and 99% Zr.