New Malonamide Polyethoxylated Surfactant for Eco-friendly Ion Foam Flotation Process

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K20487
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0401:Materials engineering, chemical engineering, and related fields
• Research Institution: Japan Atomic Energy Agency
• Principal Investigator: MICHEAU Cyril 国立研究開発法人日本原子力研究開発機構, 原子力科学研究部門 原子力科学研究所 物質科学研究センター, 博士研究員 (70961291)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-08-31 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Flotation / Malonamide / Surfactant / Foam / Interface / Solvent extraction / SANS / NR

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This work aimed to develop a new surfactant system for the extraction and separation of metal ions using the flotation process. For this purpose, synthesis and characterization of a new malonamide polyethoxylated surfactant was consider. Unfortunately, a robust synthesis route couldn’t be obtained due to external constraint. However, the characterization of reactants and model molecules were performed. A complete study of clay flotation using a surfactant model system was realized to characterize the flotation process. Technical feasibility of SANS experiments on foam has been demonstrated. Based on these results, three flotation processes were found depending on pH range. In parallel, NR measurement on malonamide model systems has been performed and had demonstrated the feasibility of analyzing liquid-air interfaces. These results highlighted new insights for liquid-liquid extraction processes deciphering the role of extractants aggregates on metal ion selectivity and kinetics.

Free Research Field

Soft matter, Separation process

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

It was found that size recognition effect of malonamide aggregates produced the ability to discriminate between metal ions. This discovery brings new conceptualization of extraction processes opening opportunities on molecules and processes developments, contributing to resource security in Japan.