Extraction of copper ions from aqueous solutions with oleic acid as green solvent

Abstract

Abstract This research aimed to extract copper ions from aqueous solutions with oleic acid as a green solvent. The effects of pH equilibrium, temperature, and sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) concentration were investigated and the optimum conditions for maximum extraction of copper ions were determined. The findings revealed that the extraction of copper ions increased with equilibrium pH and temperature before it reached a plateau, while it increased and achieved a peak before it decreased with sodium salt concentration. The highest extraction of copper ions was achieved at 94% under the following optimum conditions: equilibrium pH of 4, temperature 55°C and 400 mM of Na2SO4. Therefore, it can be concluded that oleic acid is a potential green solvent for extracting copper ions from aqueous solutions.