A novel separation method, i.e. electro-assisted solvent extraction, based on the principles of two-phase electrochemistry, has been demonstrated for the successful separation of Ni2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ ions. 2-Heptanone has been used as the organic solvent for the transfer of Ni2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ facilitated by 2,2＇;6＇,2 "-terpyridine. It is shown that extraction efficiency depends on the concentration ratio of ligand to metal ion and importantly, on the applied interfacial potential difference. Tt was Found that Ni2+ (not Cd2+ or Cu2+) extraction is suppressed in the presence of Mg2+ ion due to competitive complexation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.