Low concentrations of sodium hydroxide are unable to strip metals, and high concentrations of sodium hydroxide extractants make organic phase stratified, which makes it impossible to do multistage-stripping.
Low NaOH concentrations may be ineffective for metal stripping, while high concentrations can cause organic phase stratification, hindering multistage stripping. To resolve this, optimize NaOH concentration (e.g., 1–5 M) to balance stripping efficiency and phase stability. Incorporate a phase modifier like ethanol or isopropanol to maintain homogeneity. Adjust temperature or stripping conditions to enhance metal transfer without destabilizing the system. If necessary, modify the extractant composition or add a surfactant to improve phase compatibility.