Metal separation method

Abstract

To provide a metal separation method that can efficiently separate and / or recover a metal which is desired to be separated and / or recovered, from an aqueous solution containing the metal.SOLUTION: The metal separation method is provided that includes a process of bringing the aqueous solution containing the metal into contact with a metal separation agent which contains a salt represented by the following formula (I) (component A), thiocyanic acid (component B) and a water-insoluble organic solvent (component C), and separating the metal from an aqueous phase to an organic phase. In the formula (I), R1 is a hydrocarbon group which has 6 or more and 22 or less carbon atoms, and may have an ester group, an amide group and / or an ether group; R2 and R3 are each independently a hydrocarbon group which has 6 or more and 22 or less carbon atoms and may have an ester group, an amide group and / or an ether group, or an alkyl group which has 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms and may have a hydroxyl group; R4 is an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, or a hydrogen atom; and X- is an anion.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a metal separation method for separating or separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, a metal separator kit, a metal recovery method, a method for producing a lithium ion battery, and a metal separator. [Background technology]

[0002] Rare and precious metals are important metals because of their widespread use in commerce and industry. On the other hand, there is a need to develop efficient recycling processes for these metals in industrial products to avoid the emission of hazardous residues. The recovery of metals from e-waste and natural resources is usually achieved by applying pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes. However, pyrometallurgical methods consume a large amount of energy and generate polluting gases during the process, which can cause significant damage to human health and the environment. Hydrometallurgical methods involve dissolving the desired metals by leaching with alkali or acid. After the leaching process, the resulting metal solution is further subjected to separation processes such as chemical precipitation, solvent extraction, and electrolytic deposition. Among them, the solvent extraction method, which is efficient and common, is widely used. In the solvent extraction method, a metal capture agent (metal separation agent) is used to capture the metals contained in the aqueous solution. Nitrogen-containing compounds such as amine compounds are commonly used as one of the metal capture agents.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for extracting cobalt using a tertiary amine as an extractant and an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent as a diluent in order to separate and recover cobalt from an aqueous nickel chloride solution containing cobalt in the production of metallic nickel and metallic cobalt by a hydrometallurgical method. In the examples, tri-normal octylamine is used as the tertiary amine.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for extracting ions from an aqueous solution containing cobalt ions by significantly reducing the solubility of a quaternary ammonium ionic liquid in water by mixing with a certain organic solvent, and using the quaternary ammonium ionic liquid as an extractant to extract ions from the aqueous solution containing cobalt. In the examples, trioctylmethylammonium chloride is used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-183282 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-168858 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, alkyl ammonium salts such as trioctylmethylammonium chloride tend to have poor cobalt separation and recovery performance when the hydrochloric acid concentration is low or in the presence of sulfate ions. High-concentration hydrochloric acid also places a heavy burden on the environment and is difficult to dispose of. Furthermore, the fact that the separation and recovery performance changes depending on the type of mixed acid reduces the versatility of the extractant.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a metal separation method capable of efficiently separating and / or recovering a metal to be separated and / or recovered from an aqueous solution containing the metal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a metal separation method for separating or separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, the metal separation method comprising a step of contacting an aqueous solution containing the metal with a metal separating agent containing a salt represented by the following formula (I) (component A), thiocyanic acid (component B) and a water-insoluble organic solvent (component C) to separate the metal from the aqueous phase to an organic phase. [ka] In formula (I), R 1 is a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group, and / or an ether group; R 2 and R 3 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group and / or an ether group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a hydroxyl group; R 4 is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom, and X - is an anion.

[0009] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a metal separating agent kit for separating or separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, the metal separating agent kit comprising a first agent containing a salt represented by the following formula (I) (component A) and a second agent containing thiocyanic acid (component B). [ka] In formula (I), R 1 is a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group, and / or an ether group; R 2 and R 3 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group and / or an ether group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a hydroxyl group; R 4 is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom, and X - is an anion.

[0010] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a metal recovery method for separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, the metal recovery method including the steps of contacting an aqueous solution containing the metal with an agent comprising a metal separating agent kit of the present disclosure, separating the metal from the aqueous phase into an organic phase, and recovering the metal from the organic phase.

[0011] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for producing a lithium ion battery, comprising the steps of contacting an aqueous solution containing a metal with an agent comprising the metal separating agent kit of the present disclosure to separate the metal from the aqueous phase to an organic phase, recovering the metal from the organic phase, and producing a battery using the metal recovered in the above step.

[0012] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a metal separating agent for separating or separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, the metal separating agent comprising a salt represented by the following formula (I) (component A) and thiocyanic acid (component B). In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a metal separating agent for separating or separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, the metal separating agent comprising a salt represented by the following formula (I) (component A) and thiocyanic acid (component B). [ka] In formula (I), R 1 is a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group, and / or an ether group; R 2 and R 3 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group and / or an ether group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a hydroxyl group; R 4 is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom, and X - is an anion.

[0013] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a metal separation method for separating a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, the method comprising the steps of contacting an aqueous solution containing the metal with the metal separating agent of the present disclosure and separating the metal from the aqueous phase into an organic phase.

[0014] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a metal recovery method for separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, the method including the steps of contacting an aqueous solution containing the metal with the metal separating agent of the present disclosure to separate the metal from the aqueous phase into an organic phase, and recovering the metal from the organic phase. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a metal separation method capable of efficiently separating and / or recovering a metal to be separated and / or recovered from an aqueous solution containing the metal can be provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] [Metal separation method] The present disclosure is based on the finding that by using a metal separating agent containing a salt represented by the above formula (I) (component A), thiocyanic acid (component B) and a water-insoluble organic solvent (component C), or a metal separating agent containing the salt represented by the above formula (I) (component A) and thiocyanic acid (component B), it is possible to efficiently separate and / or recover a metal to be separated and / or recovered from an aqueous solution containing the metal.

[0017] That is, in one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a metal separation method for separating or separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, the metal separation method (hereinafter also referred to as the "metal separation method of the present disclosure") comprising a step of contacting an aqueous solution containing the metal with a metal separating agent (hereinafter also referred to as the "metal separating agent of the present disclosure") comprising a salt represented by the above formula (I) (component A), thiocyanic acid (component B) and a water-insoluble organic solvent (component C) to separate the metal from the aqueous phase into an organic phase (hereinafter also referred to as the "contacting step"). According to the metal separation method of the present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, a metal separation method capable of efficiently separating and / or recovering a metal to be separated and / or recovered from an aqueous solution containing the metal can be provided. According to the metal separation method of the present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, a metal separation method excellent in the performance of separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal can be provided.

[0018] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a metal separation method for separating a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, the metal separation method including a step (hereinafter also referred to as the "metal separation method of the present disclosure") of contacting an aqueous solution containing the metal with a metal separating agent (hereinafter also referred to as the "metal separating agent of the present disclosure") containing a salt represented by the above formula (I) (component A) and thiocyanic acid (component B) to separate the metal from the aqueous phase into an organic phase (hereinafter also referred to as the "contacting step"). According to the metal separation method of the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently separate a desired metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal.

[0019] In addition, in one or more embodiments, the metal separation method of the present disclosure is excellent in cobalt recovery efficiency. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the metal separation method of the present disclosure is excellent in Co-Ni separation ability. That is, in one or more embodiments, the metal separation method of the present disclosure is a metal separation method for separating cobalt from an aqueous solution containing cobalt, or for separating and recovering cobalt. In one or more embodiments, the metal separation method of the present disclosure is a metal separation method for separating cobalt from an aqueous solution containing cobalt and nickel, or for separating and recovering cobalt.

[0020] Although the details of the mechanism by which the effects of the present disclosure are expressed are still unclear, it is speculated as follows. In an aqueous solution (aqueous phase), metal ions are stabilized by mainly receiving electrons from water molecules or other hydrophilic compounds. This stabilized structure is called a metal ion cluster. In order for a metal ion cluster to move into an oil (organic phase), it needs to be more stabilized. Since the salt represented by formula (I) in the present disclosure (component A) is positively charged with a high charge density, electrostatic interactions occur between the salt and the negatively charged metal ion cluster in the aqueous solution (aqueous phase), making it possible to form a more stabilized structure. Therefore, component A in the present disclosure exerts a certain effect as a metal separating agent in the oil (organic phase). Furthermore, by using thiocyanate (component B) in combination, component B forms complexes with unique structures for each metal compared to general ligands. For example, it is said to form a linear bidentate complex with nickel, and a tetrahedral tetradentate complex with cobalt. The difference in the structure of this thiocyanate complex creates differences in the reactivity of component A with each metal, which is thought to make it possible to separate metals with higher accuracy. In the present disclosure, the presence of component B in the oil (organic phase) traps metal ions in the oil (organic phase), and further component A contributes to the stable presence in the oil (organic phase) of the metal ions and component B that have interacted in the oil (organic phase), and it is believed that specific metal ions can be extracted much more efficiently than when the salt represented by formula (I) (component A) or thiocyanic acid (component B) is used alone. The salt represented by formula (I) (component A) in the present disclosure may be an alkylammonium salt or amine salt having a polar group such as an ester group, and when the alkylammonium salt or amine salt has a polar group, it is believed that it is possible to form a more stable covalent bond by sharing electrons with the metal ion due to its electron-withdrawing property. Since the rate of formation of this covalent bond differs for each type of metal ion, it is believed that selectivity is improved and it is possible to separate negatively charged metal ion clusters from each other. Therefore, when component A in the present disclosure has a polar group (specific alkylammonium salt or amine salt), it is believed that it can provide a better metal separation and recovery ability. However, the present disclosure need not be construed as being limited to the above mechanism.

[0021] <Metal-containing aqueous solution> In one or more embodiments, the "metal-containing aqueous solution" in the present disclosure may be one obtained by treating electronic waste. In one or more embodiments, the electronic waste may be waste from electronic components such as lithium ion batteries. In one or more embodiments, the metal-containing aqueous solution may be an aqueous solution (leachate) obtained by treating waste electronic components with an acid. The "metal-containing aqueous solution" obtained from electronic waste can be obtained, for example, by separating the positive electrode components of a lithium ion battery into iron-based metals, plastics, electrode powder BM (black matrix), etc. by crushing or heat treatment, and then dissolving the electrode powder BM in a sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid solution to obtain an acidic aqueous solution. The electrode powder BM contains, for example, lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), etc. In one or more embodiments, the metal-containing aqueous solution can be an aqueous solution containing cobalt, or an aqueous solution containing cobalt and nickel. In the present disclosure, an example of an aqueous solution containing a metal is a leachate obtained by leaching battery residue containing a positive electrode active material of a lithium ion battery with an acidic aqueous solution.

[0022] <Contact process> In one or more embodiments, the contacting step is a step of separating the metal from the aqueous phase by contacting an aqueous solution containing the metal, which is the aqueous phase, with the organic phase of the metal separating agent of the present disclosure and distributing (extracting) the metal to be separated into the organic phase. The organic phase in the above process may be that contained in an oil-continuous or bicontinuous type emulsion system. In one or a plurality of embodiments, the metal separating agent of the present disclosure containing an organic phase is in a form containing a water-insoluble organic solvent (component C) described below. The operation procedure of the contact step is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected from known operation procedures used in liquid phase extraction. For example, an aqueous solution containing a metal, which is an aqueous phase, and a metal separating agent of the present disclosure, which is an organic phase, may be placed in an arbitrary container, and the aqueous phase and the organic phase may be thoroughly mixed using a shaker or the like, and then the phases may be separated by centrifugation to perform liquid separation. Also, known extraction devices or extraction tools, such as an extraction device such as a countercurrent extraction device or a separating funnel, may be used instead of the container.

[0023] The pH of the metal-containing aqueous solution is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the type and purpose of the metal to be separated and / or recovered. In one or more embodiments, the pH of the metal-containing aqueous solution is usually 6.0 or less, preferably 5.5 or less, more preferably 5.0 or less or 5 or less. For example, when the metal to be separated and / or recovered is, for example, cobalt element (Co), the pH of the metal-containing aqueous solution is preferably 7.0 or less or 7 or less, more preferably 4.0 or less or 4 or less. In the present disclosure, the pH of the aqueous solution is a value at 25° C. and can be measured using a pH meter, specifically, can be measured by the method described in the Examples.

[0024] In the contact step, the time for which the aqueous phase and the organic phase are contacted is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. The contact time can be, for example, 1 to 10 minutes.

[0025] In the contact step, the temperature at which the aqueous phase and the organic phase are brought into contact is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of the solubility of the metal separating agent, it is preferably 0° C. or higher, more preferably 10° C. or higher, and even more preferably 20° C. or higher, and from the viewpoint of handleability, it is preferably 100° C. or lower, more preferably 75° C. or lower, and even more preferably 50° C. or lower. More specifically, the temperature in the contact step is preferably 0° C. or higher and 100° C. or lower, more preferably 10° C. or higher and 75° C. or lower, and even more preferably 20° C. or higher and 50° C. or lower.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the metal separating agent of the present disclosure that is contacted with the aqueous phase in the contacting step includes an organic phase. In one or more embodiments, the organic phase is derived from the water-insoluble organic solvent (component C) of the metal separating agent of the present disclosure.

[0027] In the contact step, the volume ratio of the aqueous phase to the organic phase to be contacted (aqueous phase volume / organic phase volume) is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. It is usually 1 or more, and preferably 1 to 10.

[0028] The amount (mol%) of the salt represented by the above formula (I) (component A) in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure to be contacted with the aqueous phase in the contact step is, from the viewpoint of the separation property of the metal to be separated, preferably 100 mol% or more, more preferably 500 mol% or more, even more preferably 1000 mol% or more, and preferably 10000 mol% or less, more preferably 5000 mol% or less, and even more preferably 2500 mol% or less, relative to the concentration of the metal in the aqueous solution containing the metal, from the viewpoint of the separation property of the metal to be separated. More specifically, the amount of the salt represented by the above formula (I) (component A) in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is preferably 100 mol% or more and 10000 mol% or less, more preferably 500 mol% or more and 5000 mol% or less, and even more preferably 1000 mol% or more and 2500 mol% or less, relative to the concentration of the metal in the aqueous solution containing the metal, from the viewpoint of the separation property of the metal to be separated.

[0029] The amount of thiocyanate (component B) in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure that is contacted with the aqueous phase in the contact step is, from the viewpoint of the separation property of the metal to be separated, preferably 100 mol% or more, more preferably 500 mol% or more, even more preferably 1000 mol% or more, and preferably 20000 mol% or less, more preferably 10000 mol% or less, and even more preferably 5000 mol% or less, based on the concentration of the metal in the aqueous solution containing the metal, from the viewpoint of the separation property of the metal to be separated. More specifically, the amount of thiocyanate (component B) in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is preferably 100 mol% or more and 20000 mol% or less, more preferably 500 mol% or more and 10000 mol% or less, and even more preferably 1000 mol% or more and 5000 mol% or less, based on the concentration of the metal in the aqueous solution containing the metal, from the viewpoint of the separation property of the metal to be separated.

[0030] The amount of the water-insoluble organic solvent (component C) in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure that is contacted with the aqueous phase in the contact step is preferably 1000 mol% or more, more preferably 5000 mol% or more, even more preferably 10000 mol% or more, and more preferably 100000 mol% or less, more preferably 50000 mol% or less, and even more preferably 25000 mol% or less, based on the concentration of the metal in the aqueous solution containing the metal, from the viewpoint of recovery efficiency of the metal to be recovered. More specifically, the amount of the water-insoluble organic solvent (component C) in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is preferably 1000 mol% or more and 100000 mol% or less, more preferably 5000 mol% or more and 50000 mol% or less, and even more preferably 10000 mol% or more and 25000 mol% or less, based on the concentration of the metal in the aqueous solution containing the metal (100 mol%).

[0031] [Metal separation agent] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a metal separating agent for separating or separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, the metal separating agent comprising a salt represented by the above formula (I) (component A) and thiocyanic acid (component B) (hereinafter also referred to as the "metal separating agent of the present disclosure").

[0032] According to the present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, a metal separating agent capable of efficiently separating and / or recovering a metal to be separated and / or recovered from an aqueous solution containing the metal can be provided. According to the present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, a metal separating agent having excellent performance for separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal can be provided.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is used to separate a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, or to separate and recover the metal. In one or more embodiments, the metal to be separated and / or recovered may be a metal for a catalyst in a lithium ion battery or the like. Examples of the metal for a catalyst include a fourth period metal, for example, at least one metal selected from cobalt, nickel, and manganese. The metal in the aqueous solution is preferably in an ion state. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is excellent in cobalt recovery efficiency. In addition, in other one or more embodiments, the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is excellent in Co-Ni separation ability. That is, in one or more embodiments, the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is a metal separating agent for separating cobalt from an aqueous solution containing cobalt, or for separating and recovering cobalt. In one or more embodiments, the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is a metal separating agent for separating cobalt from an aqueous solution containing cobalt, or for separating and recovering cobalt from an aqueous solution containing cobalt and nickel.

[0034] <Component A: Salt represented by formula (I)> The metal separating agent of the present disclosure contains a salt represented by the following formula (I) (hereinafter also referred to as "Component A"). 4 When R is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, component A is a quaternary ammonium salt. 4 is a hydrogen atom, component A is a tertiary amine salt. That is, component A is a salt represented by formula (I) and includes a quaternary ammonium salt and a tertiary amine salt. Component A may be one type or a combination of two or more types. [ka]

[0035] In formula (I), R 1 is a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group, and / or an ether group; R 2 and R 3 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group and / or an ether group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a hydroxyl group; R 4 is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom, and X - is an anion.

[0036] In the above formula (I), R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group, and / or an ether group, R 1 , R 2 and R 3 From the viewpoint of the separability of the metal to be separated, the hydrocarbon group has 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably 8 to 16 carbon atoms. The hydrocarbon group may be a straight chain or a branched chain, but preferably has a branched chain from the viewpoint of suppressing foaming upon contact with an aqueous solution. The hydrocarbon group may be a saturated chain or an unsaturated chain, but preferably has an unsaturated chain from the viewpoint of suppressing foaming upon contact with an aqueous solution. R 1 , R 2 and R 3 From the viewpoint of the separability of the separated metal, at least one of the above preferably has an ester group, an amide group and / or an ether group, more preferably has an ester group or an ether group, and even more preferably has an ester group. R 1 , R 2 and R 3 In one or more embodiments, when the hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms in the formula (I) has an ester group, an amide group, and / or an ether group, -R 5 -XR6 It is expressed as R 5 is an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, X is -OC(=O)-, -NH-C(=O)-, or an oxygen atom, and R 6 R is a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms. 5 The number of carbon atoms in R is preferably 1 or 2 from the viewpoint of the separation property of the metal to be separated. 6 From the viewpoint of the separation of the metal to be separated, the carbon number of R is preferably 6 or more and 18 or less. 6 The hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated, but in one or more embodiments, it is preferable for the hydrocarbon group to have an unsaturated chain from the viewpoint of suppressing foaming upon contact with an aqueous solution, and in one or more embodiments, X is preferably -OC(=O)- from the viewpoint of separability of the metal to be separated. R 2 and R 3 In the above, from the viewpoint of the separability of the metal to be separated, the alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and optionally having a hydroxyl group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and optionally having a hydroxyl group, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms and optionally having a hydroxyl group, and even more preferably a hydroxyethyl group. R 4 From the viewpoint of the separation property of the metal to be separated, the alkyl group is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom, preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, even more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 2 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methyl group. X - is a counter ion, and examples thereof include alkyl sulfate ions having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, sulfate ions, phosphate ions, carboxylate ions having 1 to 3 carbon atoms (formate ions, acetate ions, propionate ions), and halide ions. Among these, from the viewpoint of ease of production and availability of raw materials, X - is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of methyl sulfate ion, ethyl sulfate ion, chloride ion, and bromide ion, and more preferably methyl sulfate ion. -may be one type alone or two or more types.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, component A is R 1 , R 2 and R 3 In one or more embodiments, Component A1 is a compound in which at least one of R in Formula (I) has an ester group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. 1 , R 2 and R 3 a compound in which at least two of R in formula (I) have an ester group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms; 1 , R 2 and R 3 is a compound having an ester group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. In one or more embodiments, component A1 may be represented by the formula (I): 1 , R 2 and R 3 a compound in which R in formula (I) is a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and each of which has an ester group; 1 and R 2 are each a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and an ester group, and R 3 is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a hydroxyl group, for example, methyltris-[ethyl 2-ethylhexyl]-ammonium salt, (2-hydroxyethyl)-methylbis-[ethyl 2-oleate]-ammonium salt, etc. Counterions of these salts include, for example, methylsulfate ion, ethylsulfate ion, chloride ion, bromide ion, etc. Component A1 includes, for example, methyltris-[ethyl 2-ethylhexyl]-ammonium methylsulfate, (2-hydroxyethyl)-methylbis-[ethyl 2-oleate]-ammonium methylsulfate. The number of carbon atoms in the ester group and the hydrocarbon group interrupted by the nitrogen atom is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0 or more or 4 or less. In one or more embodiments, component A is R 1 , R 2 and R3 In one or more embodiments, component A2 is a compound having an ether group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms (hereinafter, also referred to as "component A2"). 1 , R 2 and R 3 is a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and an ether group, for example, tris[2-hexoxyethyl]-hexyl-ammonium salt. Counter ions of these salts include, for example, methyl sulfate ion, ethyl sulfate ion, chloride ion, bromide ion, etc. Component A2 includes, for example, tris[2-hexoxyethyl]-hexyl-ammonium hydrochloride. The number of carbon atoms in the ether group and the hydrocarbon group interrupted by a nitrogen atom is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0 or more or 4 or less. In one or more embodiments, component A is R 1 , R 2 and R 3 In one or more embodiments, Component A3 is a compound having an amide group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms (hereinafter, also referred to as "Component A3"). 1 , R 2 and R 3 are compounds in which each is a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and an amide group, such as tris[2-(oleic acid amide)ethyl]-methyl-ammonium methyl salt. Examples of counter ions of these salts include methyl sulfate ion, ethyl sulfate ion, chloride ion, bromide ion, etc. Examples of component A3 include tris[2-(oleic acid amide)ethyl]-methyl-ammonium methyl sulfate salt. The number of carbon atoms in the amide group and the hydrocarbon group interrupted by a nitrogen atom is not particularly limited, but may be 0 or more or 4 or less.

[0038] From the viewpoint of the separability of the metal to be separated, component A is preferably at least one selected from component A1, component A2, and component A3, more preferably at least one selected from component A1 and component A2, and even more preferably component A1. From the same viewpoint, component A is preferably at least one selected from methyl tris-[ethyl 2-ethylhexyl]-ammonium salt, (2-hydroxyethyl)-methyl bis-[ethyl 2-oleate]-ammonium salt, tris[2-hexoxyethyl]-hexyl-ammonium salt, and tris[2-(oleic acid amide)ethyl]-methyl-ammonium methyl salt, and more preferably methyl tris-[ethyl 2-ethylhexyl]-ammonium salt, (2-hydroxyethyl)-methyl bis-[ethyl 2-oleate]-ammonium salt, More preferred is at least one selected from methyltris-[ethyl 2-ethylhexyl]-ammonium salt and tris[2-hexoxyethyl]-hexyl-ammonium salt, even more preferred is at least one of methyltris-[ethyl 2-ethylhexyl]-ammonium salt and (2-hydroxyethyl)-methylbis-[ethyl 2-oleate]-ammonium salt, even more preferred is methyltris-[ethyl 2-ethylhexyl]-ammonium salt, and even more preferred is methyltris-[ethyl 2-ethylhexyl]-ammonium methyl sulfate.

[0039] The amount (mass%) of component A in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is preferably 1.0 mass% or more or 1 mass% or more, more preferably 5.0 mass% or more or 5 mass% or more, even more preferably 10.0 mass% or more or 10 mass% or more, and preferably 50 mass% or less, more preferably 40 mass% or less, and even more preferably 30 mass% or less. More specifically, the amount (mass%) of component A in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is preferably 1.0 mass% or more and 50 mass% or less, or 1 mass% or more and 50 mass% or less, more preferably 5.0 mass% or more and 40 mass% or less, or 5 mass% or more and 40 mass% or less, and even more preferably 10.0 mass% or more and 30 mass% or less, or 10 mass% or more and 30 mass% or less. When component A is a combination of two or more types, the amount of component A refers to the total amount thereof.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is a composition containing component A and component B.

[0041] <Thiocyanate (ingredient B)> In one or more embodiments, the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is composed of or contains a blend of component A and a thiocyanate salt (hereinafter also referred to as "component B") from the viewpoint of the separability of the metal to be separated. That is, in one or more embodiments, the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is composed of a blend of component A and a thiocyanate salt (component B). In the metal separating agent of the present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, component A and component B are present in a miscible state. In the present disclosure, the term "comprised of" means that not only component A and a thiocyanate salt (component B) but also any optional component can be further blended as necessary. In the present disclosure, the blending amount of each component in the metal separating agent can be interpreted as the content of each component in the metal separating agent.

[0042] From the viewpoint of the separation property of the metal to be separated, examples of component B include ammonium thiocyanate, sodium thiocyanate, etc. Component B may be one type or a combination of two or more types.

[0043] From the viewpoint of the separation property of the metal to be separated, the blending amount (mass%) of component B in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is preferably 0.1 mass% or more, more preferably 0.5 mass% or more, even more preferably 1.0 mass% or more, and preferably 40 mass% or less, more preferably 20 mass% or less, and even more preferably 10 mass% or less. More specifically, the blending amount (mass%) of component B in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is preferably 0.1 mass% or more and 40 mass% or less, more preferably 0.5 mass% or more and 20 mass% or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mass% or more and 10 mass% or less, or 1.0 mass% or more and 10 mass% or less. When component B is a combination of two or more kinds, the blending amount of component B refers to the total blending amount thereof.

[0044] The mass ratio A / B of component A to component B in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure (amount of component A blended / amount of component B blended) is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.1 or more, and even more preferably 1.0 or more, from the viewpoint of the separability of the metal to be separated, and from the same viewpoint, is preferably 50 or less, 40 or less, or 20 or less, more preferably 10 or less, and even more preferably 5.0 or less. More specifically, the mass ratio A / B (amount of component A blended / amount of component B blended) is preferably 0.01 or more and 50 or less, 0.01 or more and 30 or less, or 0.01 or more and 20 or less, more preferably 0.1 or more and 10 or less, and even more preferably 1.0 or more and 5.0 or less.

[0045] <Water-insoluble organic solvent (component C)> In one or a plurality of embodiments, the metal separating agent of the present disclosure comprises or contains a blend of component A, a thiocyanate salt (component B), and a water-insoluble organic solvent (component C).

[0046] In the present disclosure, the term "water-insoluble organic solvent" refers to an organic solvent that dissolves in an amount of 0.01 g or less in 100 g of water at 25°C. Examples of the water-insoluble organic solvent (component C) include petroleum-based solvents such as kerosene; aliphatic hydrocarbon-based solvents such as hexane, isooctane, and dodecane; aromatic hydrocarbon-based solvents such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; halogen-based solvents such as chloroform and dichloromethane; higher alcohol-based solvents such as dodecyl alcohol and octanol; and higher fatty acid-based solvents such as oleic acid. Among these, petroleum-based solvents such as kerosene are preferred from the viewpoint of recovery efficiency of the metal to be recovered. Component C may be one type or a combination of two or more types (mixed solvent). In the present disclosure, the phase derived from component C when the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is mixed with an aqueous solution may be referred to as the "organic phase."

[0047] When the metal separating agent of the present disclosure contains component C, the blending amount (mass%) of component C in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is preferably 50 mass% or more, more preferably 60 mass% or more, even more preferably 70 mass% or more, and preferably 99.9 mass% or less, more preferably 99 mass% or less, and even more preferably 95 mass% or less, from the viewpoint of recovery efficiency of the metal to be recovered. More specifically, the blending amount (mass%) of component C in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is preferably 50 mass% or more and 99.9 mass% or less, more preferably 60 mass% or more and 99 mass% or less, and even more preferably 70 mass% or more and 95 mass% or less. When component C is a combination of two or more types, the blending amount of component C refers to the total blending amount thereof.

[0048] When the metal separating agent of the present disclosure contains component C, the mass ratio A / C of components A and C in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure (amount of component A blended / amount of component C blended) is, from the viewpoint of recovery efficiency of the metal to be recovered, preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.05 or more, and even more preferably 0.1 or more, and from the same viewpoint, is preferably 10 or less, more preferably 5.0 or less or 5 or less, and even more preferably 1.0 or less or 1 or less. More specifically, the mass ratio A / C (amount of component A blended / amount of component C blended) is preferably 0.01 or more and 10 or less, more preferably 0.05 or more and 5.0 or 0.05 or more and 5 or less, and even more preferably 0.1 or more and 1.0 or 0.1 or more and 1 or less.

[0049] When the metal separating agent of the present disclosure contains component C, the mass ratio B / C of components B and C in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure (amount of component B blended / amount of component C blended) is, from the viewpoint of recovery efficiency of the desired metal to be recovered, preferably 0.001 or more, more preferably 0.01 or more, even more preferably 0.05 or more, and from the same viewpoint, preferably 10 or less, more preferably 5 or less, even more preferably 1 or less. More specifically, the mass ratio B / C (amount of component B blended / amount of component C blended) is preferably 0.001 or more and 10 or less, more preferably 0.01 or more and 5 or less, even more preferably 0.01 or more and 1 or less.

[0050] <Other ingredients> The metal separating agent of the present disclosure may contain other components as necessary within a range that does not impair the effects of the present disclosure. Examples of other components include an antifoaming agent and a demulsifier.

[0051] [Metal separation agent kit] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a metal separator kit for separating or separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, the metal separator kit including a first agent including component A and a second agent including component B (hereinafter also referred to as the "metal separator kit of the present disclosure"). In one or more embodiments, the first and second agents are mixed at the time of use. The first and second agents may each contain the above-mentioned optional components (component C, other components) as necessary. In one or a plurality of embodiments, an agent prepared by incorporating the metal separating agent kit of the present disclosure, that is, an agent obtained by mixing the first agent and the second agent, is the metal separating agent of the present disclosure. In one or a plurality of embodiments, the metal separator kit of the present disclosure is a kit for producing the metal separator of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the metal separator kit of the present disclosure is a metal separator kit for separating or separating and recovering cobalt. In one or a plurality of embodiments, the metal separator kit of the present disclosure is a metal separator kit for separating or separating and recovering cobalt from an aqueous solution containing cobalt and nickel.

[0052] [Metal recovery method] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a metal recovery method for separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, the metal recovery method including a step of contacting an aqueous solution containing the metal with a metal separating agent of the present disclosure or an agent containing the metal separating agent kit of the present disclosure, and separating the metal from the aqueous phase into an organic phase (hereinafter also referred to as a "contact step"), and a step of recovering the metal from the organic phase (hereinafter also referred to as a "recovery step"). According to the metal recovery method of the present disclosure, the metal to be separated and recovered from the aqueous solution (aqueous phase) containing the metal can be efficiently separated and recovered. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the metal recovery method of the present disclosure is excellent in cobalt recovery efficiency. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the metal recovery method of the present disclosure is excellent in Co-Ni separation ability. That is, in one or more embodiments, the metal recovery method of the present disclosure is a metal recovery method for separating and recovering cobalt from an aqueous solution containing cobalt. In one or more embodiments, the metal recovery method of the present disclosure is a metal recovery method for separating and recovering cobalt from an aqueous solution containing cobalt and nickel.

[0053] <Contact process> The contacting method and contacting conditions in the contact step of the metal recovery method of the present disclosure may be the same as the contacting method and contacting conditions in the metal separation method of the present disclosure described above.

[0054] <Recovery process> In the recovery step, examples of a method for recovering the metal separated (distributed, extracted) in the organic phase include crystallization, electrolysis, and the like.

[0055] <Liquid separation process and back-extraction process> In one or more embodiments, the metal separation method and the metal recovery method of the present disclosure may further include the following liquid separation step (1) and back extraction step (2). (1) A separation step for separating the aqueous phase and the organic phase contacted in the contact step (2) A back-extraction step in which the organic phase separated in the separation step is contacted with an aqueous phase other than the aqueous phase separated in the separation step for back-extraction. The aqueous solution other than the aqueous solution separated in the separation step (1) is not particularly limited as long as it can be used for back extraction, but is preferably an acidic aqueous solution or an aqueous solution containing a complexing agent such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or thiourea. In the case of an acidic aqueous solution, the pH is preferably adjusted to be lower than the pH of the aqueous solution used in the contact step. The acid to be used is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, and hypophosphorous acid.

[0056] <Preparation process> In one or more embodiments, the metal separation method and the metal recovery method of the present disclosure may further include a step of preparing an aqueous solution containing a metal (hereinafter, also referred to as a "preparation step"). The preparation method is not particularly limited, and the aqueous solution containing a metal may be obtained, or the aqueous solution containing a metal may be prepared by oneself. The metal-containing aqueous solution is not particularly limited as long as it contains the metal to be separated and / or recovered, and the aqueous solution is usually prepared under conditions in which the metal to be separated and / or recovered can be separated (extracted) (if metals other than the metal to be separated and / or recovered are also contained, conditions in which there is a difference between the extraction rate of the metal to be separated and / or recovered and the extraction rate of metals other than the metal to be separated and / or recovered), and it is preferable that the aqueous solution is prepared as an acidic aqueous solution. An example of the metal-containing aqueous solution is one obtained by treating the above-mentioned electronic waste. When preparing an acidic aqueous solution containing a metal to be separated and / or recovered by oneself, the preparation method is not particularly limited, and an acid may be added to the aqueous solution containing the metal to be separated and / or recovered (to adjust the pH), or an acidic aqueous solution may be prepared to dissolve the metal to be separated and / or recovered. Examples of acids used to prepare the acidic aqueous solution include inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, and hypophosphorous acid.

[0057] [Lithium-ion battery manufacturing method] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a lithium ion battery (hereinafter also referred to as the "lithium ion battery manufacturing method of the present disclosure"), which includes a step of contacting an aqueous solution containing a metal with an agent comprising the metal separating agent kit of the present disclosure to separate the metal from the aqueous phase to an organic phase (hereinafter also referred to as the "contacting step"), a step of recovering the metal from the organic phase (hereinafter also referred to as the "recovery step"), and a step of manufacturing a battery using the metal recovered in the above step. The contacting method and contacting conditions in the contacting step of the lithium ion battery production method of the present disclosure can be the same as the contacting method and contacting conditions of the metal separation method of the present disclosure described above. The recovery method in the recovery step of the lithium ion battery manufacturing method of the present disclosure can be the same as the recovery method of the metal recovery method of the present disclosure described above. In one or more embodiments, the lithium-ion battery production method of the present disclosure may further include the above-mentioned separation step (1) and back-extraction step (2). In one or more embodiments, the lithium ion battery manufacturing method of the present disclosure may further include the above-mentioned preparation step. EXAMPLES

[0058] The present disclosure will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples in any way.

[0059] 1. Preparation of metal separation agent I (organic phase) A quaternary ammonium salt (component A shown in Table 1) and an organic solvent (component C shown in Table 1) were mixed at a mixing ratio of 0 to 30 vol%. Furthermore, ammonium thiocyanate (component B shown in Table 1) was added to the above-mentioned mixture at a ratio of 0.5 mol / L to prepare metal separating agent I (Examples 1 to 9, Comparative Examples 1 and 2). The blending amount (mass%) of each component in the metal separating agent of the present disclosure is shown in Table 1.

[0060] The following were used as components of the metal separating agent: (Component A) <Production Example of Triester Methyl Ammonium Methyl Sulfate> Triester methyl ammonium methyl sulfate (compound name: methyl tris-[ethyl 2-ethylhexyl]-ammonium methyl sulfate) [wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 is ethyl 2-ethylhexyl ester, and R 4 The compound in which X is methyl and X is methyl sulfate was obtained as follows. 2-Ethylhexyl acid, triethanolamine, hypophosphorous acid as a catalyst, and butylhydroxytoluene as an antioxidant were charged into a four-neck flask connected to a cooling tube, and the mixture was purged with nitrogen and heated to 170°C over 1.5 hours, and then stirred for 2 hours. The pressure was then reduced to 13.3 kPa over 1.5 hours, and the mixture was aged for 7 hours, and then cooled to obtain an esteramine. The obtained esteramine was charged into a 2L separable flask, and after nitrogen replacement, the mixture was heated to 65°C, while dimethyl sulfate was added dropwise over 1 hour, and the mixture was aged at 65°C for 4 hours. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature to obtain triestermethylammonium methylsulfate. <Production Example of Diester Methyl Ammonium Methyl Sulfate> Diester methyl ammonium methyl sulfate (compound name: (2-hydroxyethyl)-methylbis-[2-ethyl oleate]-ammonium methyl sulfate) [R in formula (I)] 1 , R 2 is ethyl oleate, R 3 is hydroxyethyl, R 4 The compound in which X is methyl and X is methyl sulfate was obtained as follows. In a four-neck flask connected to a cooling tube, oleic acid, triethanolamine, hypophosphorous acid as a catalyst, and butylhydroxytoluene as an antioxidant were charged, and after nitrogen replacement, the temperature was raised to 170°C over 1.5 hours, and then the mixture was stirred for 2 hours. After that, the pressure was reduced to 13.3 kPa over 1.5 hours, and the mixture was aged for 7 hours, and then cooled to obtain an esteramine. The obtained esteramine was charged in a separable flask, and after nitrogen replacement, the mixture was heated to 65°C, while dimethyl sulfate was added dropwise over 1 hour, and the mixture was aged at 65°C for 4 hours. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature to obtain diestermethylammonium methylsulfate. <Production Example of Trietherhexylammonium Hydrochloride> Trietherhexylammonium hydrochloride (compound name: tris[2-hexoxyethyl]-hexyl-ammonium hydrochloride) [R in formula (I)] 1 , R 2 , R 3 is hexoxyethyl, R 4The compound in which X is hexyl and X is chloride was obtained as follows. Triethanolamine, hexanol, and sodium hydroxide were charged into a four-neck flask, and the mixture was heated to 160°C after nitrogen replacement. After heating, the pressure was reduced to 1.3 kPa or less and the mixture was stirred for 24 hours. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature, and water was added to terminate the reaction, yielding trietheramine. The resulting trietheramine was charged into a separable flask, and after nitrogen replacement, the mixture was heated to 65°C, while hexyl chloride was added dropwise over 1 hour, and the mixture was aged at 65°C for 4 hours. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature to yield trietherhexylammonium hydrochloride. The synthetic raw materials used in the production of the above component A are shown below. <Synthetic raw materials> Triethanolamine [Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] 2-Ethylhexyl acid [Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] Oleic acid (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) Hypophosphorous acid [Sigma-Aldrich] BHT [Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] Dimethyl sulfate [Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] Hexanol [Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] Sodium hydroxide [Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] Hexyl chloride [Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] <Trioctylmethylammonium methyl sulfate> A compound obtained by washing trioctylmethylammonium hydrochloride with an aqueous methylsulfate solution and converting it to methylsulfate. (Component B) Ammonium thiocyanate [Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] (Component C) Kerosene [Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.]

[0061] 2. Preparation of aqueous solution II (aqueous phase, aqueous solution containing metals) Co sulfate and Ni sulfate were dissolved in 1 mol / L sulfuric acid to prepare aqueous solution II containing Co and Ni (Co concentration: 3.0 g / L, Ni concentration: 3.0 g / L). The pH of aqueous solution II is shown in Table 1. The content of each metal in aqueous solution II is 0.3 mass% Co and 0.3 mass% Ni.

[0062] [pH measurement method] The pH of the aqueous solution II was measured at 25° C. using a pH meter (HM-30G, manufactured by Toa Denpa Kogyo Co., Ltd.) one minute after the electrode was immersed in the polishing composition. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0063] 3. Evaluation of Metal Separating Agent (Examples 1 to 9, Comparative Examples 1 to 2) The metal separating agent I (organic phase) was contacted with the aqueous solution II (aqueous phase) to evaluate the Co extraction ability and the Co-Ni separation ability. The specific procedure is as follows. [Metal extraction method] The metal separating agent I (organic phase) and the aqueous solution II (aqueous phase) were placed in a separatory funnel and contacted by shaking for 10 minutes at 20°C, and the metal was transferred (distributed) to the metal separating agent I (organic phase) to extract (separate) the metal. The volume ratio (volume of aqueous phase / volume of organic phase) of the aqueous solution II (aqueous phase) to the metal separating agent I (organic phase) to be contacted was 1.0. The blending amounts of each component in the metal separating agent I to be contacted with the aqueous solution II were 1500 mol% for component A, 2500 mol% for component B, and 25000 mol% for component C, relative to the Co concentration in the aqueous solution II. The Co and Ni concentrations in the metal separating agent I (organic phase) and aqueous solution II (aqueous phase) after extraction were quantitatively analyzed by ICP-OES, and the Co extraction rate and Co-Ni separation ability were calculated. The results are shown in Table 1. The Co extraction rate and Co-Ni separation ability are defined as follows. [Co extraction rate] The Co extraction rate was calculated by dividing the Co concentration (g / L) in the metal separating agent I after extraction by the initial (before extraction) Co concentration (g / L) in the aqueous solution I. Co extraction rate = (Co concentration in metal separating agent I after extraction) / (Co concentration in aqueous solution I before extraction) In addition, when the result was below the detection limit by ICP-OES, it is indicated as "below the detection limit" in Table 1. [Co-Ni separation ability] The Co-Ni separation ability is the ratio of the Co concentration (g / L) to the Ni concentration (g / L) in the metal separating agent I after extraction, Co / Ni, divided by the ratio of the Co concentration (g / L) to the Ni concentration (g / L) in the aqueous solution II after extraction, Co / Ni. Co-Ni separation ability = (Co / Ni concentration ratio in metal separating agent I after extraction) / (Co / Ni concentration ratio in aqueous solution II after extraction) In addition, since the Co—Ni separation ability was not calculated for Examples 2 and 5, they are shown in Table 1 as “-”.

[0064] [Table 1]

[0065] As shown in Table 1, in Examples 1 to 9 using a quaternary ammonium salt represented by formula (I) (component A) and ammonium thiocyanate (component B), the Co extraction rate was 94% or more. Moreover, Examples 1 to 3 to 4 and 6 to 9 had better Co-Ni separation ability than Comparative Examples 1 to 2 not using component B. Moreover, the Co-Ni separation ability of Examples 1, 3 and 4 was better than that of Example 9. Thus, it was confirmed that the metal separating agents of Examples 1 to 9 have high separation and recovery performance. In particular, in Example 1 using triester methyl ammonium methyl sulfate as component A, the Co extraction rate was 99% or more and the separation ability was 1300 or more, and it was found to have higher separation and recovery performance. [Industrial Applicability]

[0066] The metal separating agent of the present disclosure can be used as a recovery agent for rare metals and precious metals.

Claims

1. A metal separation method for separating or separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, comprising the steps of: The method includes a step of contacting an aqueous solution containing a metal with a metal separating agent containing a salt represented by the following formula (I) (component A), thiocyanic acid (component B) and a water-insoluble organic solvent (component C) to separate the metal from the aqueous phase into an organic phase, A method for separating metals, wherein component A is a compound represented by the following formula (I), in which at least one of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 has an ester group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms: 【Chemistry 1】 In formula (I), R 1 is a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group, and / or an ether group; R 2 and R 3 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group and / or an ether group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a hydroxyl group; R 4 is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom; X - is an anion.

2. Component A is R in formula (I). 1 , R 2 and R 3 2. The method for separating metals according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the above are compounds having an ester group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms.

3. Component A is R in formula (I). 1 , R 2 and R 3 The method for separating metals according to claim 1, wherein the compound has an ester group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms.

4. 2. The method for separating metals according to claim 1, wherein a mass ratio A / B of component A to component B in the metal separating agent is 0.01 or more and 50 or less.

5. The metal separation method according to claim 1, wherein the content of component A in the metal separating agent is 1 mass % or more and 50 mass % or less.

6. The metal separation method according to claim 1, wherein the content of component B in the metal separating agent is 0.5 mass % or more and 10 mass % or less.

7. 2. The method of claim 1, which is a metal separation method for separating or separating and recovering cobalt.

8. 2. The method for separating metals according to claim 1, which is a method for separating or separating and recovering cobalt from an aqueous solution containing cobalt and nickel.

9. A metal separating agent kit for separating a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, or for separating and recovering the metal, comprising a first agent containing a salt represented by the following formula (I) (component A) and a second agent containing thiocyanic acid (component B), Component A is a compound represented by the following formula (I), in which at least one of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 has an ester group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms: 【Chemistry 2】 In formula (I), R 1 is a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group, and / or an ether group; R 2 and R 3 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group and / or an ether group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a hydroxyl group; R 4 is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom; X - is an anion.

10. The metal separator kit according to claim 9, which is a metal separator kit for separating or separating and recovering cobalt.

11. The metal separator kit according to claim 9, which is a metal separator kit for separating or separating and recovering cobalt from an aqueous solution containing cobalt and nickel.

12. A metal recovery method for separating and recovering metals from an aqueous solution containing the metals, comprising the steps of: A metal recovery method comprising the steps of: contacting an aqueous solution containing a metal with an agent comprising the metal separating agent kit according to claim 9 to separate the metal from the aqueous phase into an organic phase; and recovering the metal from the organic phase.

13. A method for producing a lithium ion battery, comprising the steps of: contacting an aqueous solution containing a metal with an agent comprising the metal separating agent kit according to claim 9 to separate the metal from the aqueous phase into an organic phase; recovering the metal from the organic phase; and producing a battery using the metal recovered in the above step.

14. A metal separating agent for separating or separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, comprising a salt (component A) represented by the following formula (I) and thiocyanic acid (component B): Component A is a metal separating agent in which at least one of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 in the following formula (I) has an ester group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. 【Chemistry 3】 In formula (I), R 1 is a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group, and / or an ether group; R 2 and R 3 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group and / or an ether group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a hydroxyl group; R 4 is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom; X - is an anion.

15. A metal separating agent for separating or separating and recovering a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, comprising a salt (component A) represented by the following formula (I) and thiocyanic acid (component B), Component A is a metal separating agent in which at least one of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 in the following formula (I) has an ester group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. 【Chemistry 4】 In formula (I), R 1 is a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group, and / or an ether group; R 2 and R 3 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms which may have an ester group, an amide group and / or an ether group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a hydroxyl group; R 4 is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom; X - is an anion.

16. The metal separating agent according to claim 14 or 15, wherein a mass ratio A / B of component A to component B is 0.01 or more and 50 or less.

17. The metal separating agent according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a blend of component A, a thiocyanate (component B), and a water-insoluble organic solvent (component C).

18. The metal separating agent according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the content of component A is 1 mass% or more and 50 mass% or less.

19. The metal separating agent according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the content of component B is 0.5 mass% or more and 10 mass% or less.

20. The metal separating agent according to claim 14 or 15, which is a metal separating agent for separating or separating and recovering cobalt.

21. The metal separating agent according to claim 14 or 15, which is a metal separating agent for separating or separating and recovering cobalt from an aqueous solution containing cobalt and nickel.

22. A method for separating a metal from an aqueous solution containing the metal, comprising the steps of: A method for separating metals, comprising the step of contacting an aqueous solution containing a metal with the metal separating agent according to claim 14 or 15, and separating the metal from the aqueous phase into an organic phase.

23. A metal recovery method for separating and recovering metals from an aqueous solution containing the metals, comprising the steps of: A step of contacting an aqueous solution containing a metal with the metal separating agent according to claim 14 or 15, and separating the metal from the aqueous phase into an organic phase; and recovering metals from the organic phase.

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