Removal of cyanide and copper simultaneously from cyanide barren solution

Abstract

Cyanide barren solution in gold companies cannot be discharged directly. A new method was used to remove cyanide and copper, and good results have been achieved. A SiO2-TiO2 nanocomposites material has been prepared, which has a higher specific surface area and larger pore volume. It can remove cyanide and copper simultaneously by adsorption and photocatalytic oxidation. The effects of variables such as time, pH and initial concentration were also studied. The removal rates of cyanide and copper can reach 85% and 90%, respectively, under the following conditions: 0.05 g adsorbents for 20 ml cyanide barren solution, 10 of the pH value, 2 h of adsorption and 1 h of photodegradation time.