Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating tellurium (Te) and selenium (Se) by using a neutral extractant (for example, either one of TBP and TEHP, or in combination thereof) from a dissolved solution of tellurium, such as a waste thermoelectric material. When tellurium and selenium are separated by using the method of this invention from a dissolved solution in which a Bi2Te3-based waste thermoelectric material is dissolved, a recovery rate of 97% or more and a separation factor of 400 or more for tellurium may be achieved, and therefore, tellurium and selenium may be separated in a very effective and economic manner as compared to conventional methods. Further, the present invention is characterized in that environmental pollution issues may be significantly reduced as compared with conventional methods carried out in a strong acidic solution since the present separation and extraction is conducted under a relative weak acid atmosphere in a pH range of 1.0 to 1.5.

Abstract: A method for separating tellurium includes separating and recovering tellurium (Te) from a dissolved solution containing the tellurium using a solvent extraction by an extractant, which contains one selected from a group consisting of tributyl phosphate (TBP), tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) and a combination thereof. The method may separate and recover the tellurium as a high-priced metallic element from a material, such as a Bi2Te3-based waste thermoelectric material, which contains not only the tellurium but also other metallic elements, simply and economically using a solvent extraction, whereby the tellurium with high yield and high purity can be separated, recovered and recycled.

Abstract: A method for separating tellurium includes separating and recovering tellurium (Te) from a dissolved solution containing the tellurium using a solvent extraction by an extractant, which contains one selected from a group consisting of tributyl phosphate (TBP), tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) and a combination thereof. The method may separate and recover the tellurium as a high-priced metallic element from a material, such as a Bi2Te3-based waste thermoelectric material, which contains not only the tellurium but also other metallic elements, simply and economically using a solvent extraction, whereby the tellurium with high yield and high purity can be separated, recovered and recycled.