Acorga M5640 and TRPO were used to separate Cu(II) and Ni(II) in ammoniacal solution.
TRPO led to efficient separation of Cu(II) and Ni(II) due to the antagonistic effect.
A high copper-to-nickel separation factor of 35,250 was obtained.
Quantitative extraction of Cu(II) was achieved from mixed solution with Cu(II) and Ni(II).