This study compares the solvent-extraction behavior of lithium (Li) using the cost-eff ective extractant PC88A (2-ethylhexyl

phosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester) and the more expensive extractant HBTA (4,4,4-Trifl uoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione).

PC88A achieved an optimal extraction rate of 37.6% at pH 5.43, with a maximum rate of 41.4% at pH 7.80. It required

six stages at a 5/1 O/A ratio (organic phase-to-aqueous phase ratio) for 98% extraction and three stages at a 15/1 ratio for

100% extraction. In contrast, HBTA showed an optimal extraction rate of 86.2% at pH 6.23 and a maximum rate of 92.9%

at pH 11.95. HBTA achieved 100% extraction with three stages at a 1/1 O/A ratio and 98% with one stage at a 5/1 ratio. By

applying McCabe–Thiele methods, this study fi gured out that to achieve a 98% lithium extraction rate at 5/1 of O/A ratio,

PC88A requires 6 stages, whereas HBTA achieves the same extraction rate in just 1 stage. This result indicate that a sixfold

diff erence in effi ciency if these extractants used in the counter-current solvent-extraction process. These fi ndings reveal

HBTA’s striking superiority over PC88A in terms of effi ciency. Future studies should include evaluations of equipment and

extractant costs, and overall effi ciency.