Abstract
The paper presents the results of a study on the simultaneous electrooxidation of cyanides and recovery of copper as a metallic deposition on the cathode from weak concentration rinse wastewater in an electrochemical reactor with a Ti/Pt anode. Both a direct electrooxidation process and an indirect electrooxidation in a chloride-rich medium proved feasible, with direct electrooxidation being preferable because of the lower energy consumption. The results show that the process of the direct electrooxidation under alkaline conditions leads to the formation of an electrocatalytic film on the anode. Simultaneous copper electrodeposition on the cathode is feasible and economically convenient, particularly if conducted at pH 13 or higher. The process can be described by the pseudo-first-order kinetics, with the rate constant for Cu removal equal to 0.013 h-1 for very alkaline conditions. Energy consumed for copper electrodeposition proved to be inversely proportional to the initial Cu concentration. For wastewater bearing 1100 mg dm-3 Cu, 5.46 kWh is needed to eliminate 1 kg of metal. The current efficiency for chemical oxygen demand removal reaching 100% or higher was obtained, indicating reactions other than electrooxidation occurring simultaneously. Under the best conditions, the total cyanide concentration was lowered from 250 to 7.9 mg dm-3.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
