Solvent extraction of hafnium

 The technology for separation of zirconium and hafnium is the key to prepare nuclear grade productions of zirconium and hafnium. Zirconium and hafnium are normally associated together in nature (m(Hf)/m(Zr+Hf) is 1%−3%) and difficult to separate from each other. With the development of nuclear power, technologies for the separation between hafnium and zirconium, such as molten salt distillation , ion exchange and solvent extraction , have become very important because of the increasing demands for the production of nuclear grade hafnium and zirconium metals and compounds. 

 

Hafnium powder