GB933563A - Process for the recovery of germanium values - Google Patents

Abstract

Germanium values are recovered from neutral or weakly acidic (up to 1N) cold or hot aqueous solutions containing up to 5 g.p.l. germanium, by means of positively charged porous synthetic adsorption resin ion exchangers, characterized in that the ion exchanger is first charged with a water-soluble complex forming agent which contains phenolic hydroxyl groups and can be adsorbed on the ion exchanger and is also able to form germanium complexes, wherein the solutions are passed through the ion exchanger, the germanium being selectively bound as a complex. The germanium may then be eluted by means of hydrochloric acid of a concentration greater than 7N. The germanium tetrachloride may then be recovered from the eluate by continuous distillation, preferably employing a carrier gas, and, preferably after having been freed of HCl vapour, may be converted to the dioxide. In an example, Wofatit E was charged with tannin as the complex forming agent ("Wofatit" is a Registered Trade Mark) and a 0,2N sulphuric acid electrolyte solution containing germanium contaminated with zinc and arsenic was passed through. The resin was eluted with 10N.NCl and the eluate distilled. The germanium tetrachloride vapour was passed through ferric chloride solution to remove arsenic and then hydrolysed to form a germanium dioxide.