Gold Dissolution Rate Research Articles

Hydrogen bonding-based deep eutectic solvents for choline chloride/sulfamide and its application in the recycling of precious metals

The depletion of natural resources for precious metals is occurring as the economy expands, and conventional recovery techniques often involve the use of hazardous reagents. We have successfully developed a novel deep eutectic solvent, choline chloride/sulfamide, which exhibits exceptional efficiency in forming a highly effective deep eutectic dissolution reagent with dibromohydantoin for the efficient recovery of precious metals. The acidity provided by sulfamide and the oxygen negative ions generated by choline chloride jointly initiate an attack on the N-Br bond in dibromohydantoin. Bromine radicals and Br2 together promote the oxidation of precious metals. The Cl- and Br- ions form complexes to generate AuCl2Br2-, which effectively stabilizes the Au3+ species in solution. Under optimal reaction conditions, Au0 can be completely dissolved within 25 minutes. The average rate of gold dissolution in this DES dissolution reagent was 10,235.9 mg Au/(h·mol DBD), which is more than 200 times the average rate of gold dissolution in conventional cyanide. Moreover, DES dissolution reagent allows for recycling of the precious metal up to 6 times with dissolution rates consistently above 95 %. By adding it into an oxalic acid solution, the gold complex can be reduced to Au0 to achieve recycling of precious metals.

The role of oxidants in the intensive cyanidation of gold. 1. Gold dissolution

In the intensive cyanidation of gravity gold concentrates, sodium m-nitrobenzene sulfonate (NBS) is often used to supplement dissolved oxygen as the oxidant in the process. This paper presents the results of a largely electrochemical study of the behaviour of NBS during cyanidation. The results have confirmed that NBS acts as an oxidant in the cyanidation of gold and that the mixed potential model can be applied to describe the mechanism of its action.The mixed potential is a good initial indicator of the rate of gold dissolution and, as expected, the anodic dissolution of pure gold in cyanide solutions is characterized by passivation at potentials above about −0.35 V.The reduction of oxygen under the conditions of the present study occurs in two 2-electron steps with peroxide as an intermediate. Dissolution of gold occurs at potentials in the diffusion-controlled region for the first step. The cathodic reduction of NBS occurs in the same potential region as the reduction of oxygen. The reaction is first order in the concentration of NBS and is largely independent of the pH. The stoichiometry of the reaction involves six moles of gold per mole of NBS confirming that the amine is the final product of reduction of NBS.Rates of gold dissolution in various solutions have been measured using a calibrated linear polarisation method. The rate increases approximately linearly with increasing NBS concentration and is independent of pH. The rate in 0.5 g/L NBS is approximately the same as in oxygenated solutions.A relatively simple titration has been adapted for use in determining NBS concentrations.

Investigation on Gold Dissolution Performance and Mechanism in Imidazolium Cyanate Ionic Liquids.

To explore green gold leaching reagents, a series of imidazolium cyanate ionic liquids (ILs), 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium cyanate ([C2MIM][OCN]), 1-propyl-3-methyl-imidazolium cyanate ([C3MIM][OCN]) and 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolcyanate ([C4MIM][OCN]) were synthesized and characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. In this research, the imidazolium cyanates were utilized as a solute, which not only decreased the usage of ILs but also increased their gold dissolution capability. The gold dissolution performances of three imidazolium cyanates were characterized by dynamic leaching test and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results show that the all three imidazolium cyanates had a gold dissolution ability, and the shorter the carbon chain on the imidazole ring in imidazolium cyanate, the faster the gold dissolution rate. The gold dissolution performance of [C2MIM][OCN] was the best, and the weight loss of gold leaf was 2.9 mg/cm2 at 40 °C after 120 h dissolution in [C2MIM][OCN] mixed with 10 wt. % water. Besides this, the gold dissolution rate increased with the increase in the concentration of imidazolium cyanates as well as the reaction temperature. The gold dissolution performances of imidazolium cyanates in different solvents including water, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylformamide (DMF) were also investigated, and the weaker the polarity of the solvent, the more conducive it was to the gold dissolution reaction. The mechanism of gold dissolution by imidazolium cyanates was investigated through NMR spectroscopy and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS). It was inferred that during the process of gold dissolution, Au was oxidized to Au+ and the imidazolium cations were deprotonated to form N-heterocyclic carbenes, which coordinated with gold to form gold complexes and achieve gold dissolution.

Review of gold cyanide leaching and the main factors affecting gold dissolution rate

This paper reviews the cyanide leaching technology and the influential parameters affecting the cyanidation process. In general, the factors influencing the degree of cyanide leaching of gold include particle size, NaCN concentration, the level of dissolved oxygen, pH, pulp density, and leaching time. Each of these parameters plays a significant role in gold cyanidation, and should be optimized respectively by conducting laboratory testing prior to production application.

Electrochemical analysis of copper-EDTA-ammonia-gold thiosulfate dissolution system

Abstract Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium (EDTA) can form stable complexes with many metals. To improve the leaching rate of gold and the consumption rate of thiosulfate, EDTA and ammonia were combined with copper ions to form a copper-EDTA-ammonia-thiosulfate system. Electrochemical methods were used to study the effect of thiosulfate, copper ion, EDTA, and polarization voltage. The results showed that increasing the concentrations of thiosulfate, copper ions, and EDTA promoted the dissolution of gold, which changed from electrochemical control to diffusion control after adding EDTA. The order of influence was thiosulfate > EDTA > copper ion. The pure gold leaching experiment showed that the dissolution rate of gold in the EDTA-ammonium-copper thiosulfate system was higher than that in the EDTA-copper-thiosulfuric acid system, thus achieving synergistic gold leaching.

An electrochemical study of the dissolution behavior of gold in a novel glycine-thiosulfate system

Ammonia-free thiosulfate systems are known for their non-toxicity, low reagent consumption, and excellent leaching efficiency in gold extraction studies. This study proposes a novel and environmentally friendly glycine-thiosulfate system and comprehensively investigates the dissolution behavior of gold through the application of electrochemical methods. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) has demonstrated that the anodic dissolution of gold is predominantly influenced by the forms of copper(II)-glycine complexes as catalysts, and the presence of Cu(C2H4NO2)3− complex in strong alkaline has enhanced dissolution rate of gold, in contrast to Cu(C2H4NO2)20 complex in near-nurture condition. Such excellent catalytic capability of the Cu(C2H4NO2)3− complex for gold dissolution can be attributed to the lowest corrosion potential, slighter passivation behavior, and rapid electron transfer from the analysis of corrosion electrochemistry (OCP, PDP, and EIS) and advanced spectrum technologies (LA-ICP-MS and XPS). The dissolution of gold in the novel glycine-thiosulfate system undergoes a typical ligand exchange process (Au+→Au(C2H4NO2)2−→Au(S2O3)23−), and the formation of passivation species on the gold surface is predominantly formed by Au(I)-glycine coordination, rather than the sulfur-containing products from thiosulfate decomposition. Based on these results, the proposed two electrochemical reaction mechanisms will contribute to the optimization of leaching conditions in the novel glycine-thiosulfate system.

Study of the basic laws of dissolution of gold and copper in solutions with an ultra-low concentration of sodium cyanide

The work sets out to study the basic physicochemical dissolution patterns of gold, copper, and natural copper-containing minerals (chalcopyrite, bornite and azurite) in solutions with an ultra-low concentration of sodium cyanide (from 0.102∙10-3 to 4.08∙10-3 mol/L). The influence of various factors on the rate of dissolution of Au and Cu in solutions with ultra-low NaCN concentrations was studied by the rotating disk method; for natural copper minerals, the powder diffraction method was used. The concentration of gold and copper in solutions was determined by atomic absorption analysis. The chemical composition of the studied copper minerals was determined using the X-ray phase method, while the specific surface of the minerals was detected using a laser granulometer. The process of gold dissolution is shown to proceed in both diffusion and kinetic regions. In the diffusion region, the rate constant was 0.334∙10-6 L∙cm-2∙s-1/2∙rad-1/2; in the kinetic region – 0.919∙10-6 L∙cm-2∙s-1/2. The calculated value of the apparent activation energy for the diffusion region was 22.5 kJ/mol; for the kinetic region – 40.1 kJ/mol. The addition of glycine to a solution with an ultra-low concentration of sodium cyanide is shown to increase the specific dissolution rate of gold by 1.2 times: from 0.692∙10-9 to 0.82∙10-9 mol/cm2∙s. The process of copper dissolution is shown to take place in the diffusion r egion. The rate constant was 0.496∙ 10-6 L∙cm-2∙s-1/2∙rad-1/2 at an activation energy of 17.0 kJ/mol. With a fractional supply of sodium cyanide, the dissolution rate of copper minerals is reduced by 10–30% compared to a single load. The calculated apparent activation energy values for chalcopyrite, bornite, and azurite were 22.03, 24.2, and 24.1 kJ/mol, respectively. Thus, the use of ultra-low concentrations of NaCN in the process of cyanidation of gold and copper has a positive effect, which can be used i n the processing of gold-copper raw materials to significantly reduce the consumption of sodium cyanide.

Sustainable electrochemical gold dissolution process based on triboelectric nanogenerator

The development of sustainable, energy-free dissolution methods is crucial for gold recycling. For the first time, we have achieved the dissolution of gold through a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). With 1 wt% Au/SiO2 as the research subject in KI solution, the gold dissolution efficiency can reach 100 % in three hours driven by R-TENG. However, by using a direct current (DC) source with 25 mA and 5 V, the gold dissolution efficiency is only 85 % after the same operation time. Meanwhile, to achieve the same 85 % gold dissolution rate, the total charge consumed from TENG is only 1.6 % of that from the DC source, indicating an ultrahigh charge utilization rate. Thus, the side reactions such as water splitting and the formation of the iodine oxide film in KI aqueous solution can be avoided by using TENG, which blocks the adhesion on the anode and facilitates the reaction. The amount of gold extracted from the waste central processing units (CPU) board (4 × 4 cm) by the solution method could reach 6 mg/piece. Hence, TENGs provide a new direction for the recovery of other metals in secondary resources and many other applications in the direction of electrochemistry can be also inspired.

Selection of a leaching system for the extraction of gold from the ore of the Byn’govskoye deposit

A theoretical substantiation of an environmentally friendly technology for extracting gold from mineral raw materials is presented. In terms of an alternative to conventional cyanide, the authors propose chlorine-bearing derivatives of organic isocyanuric acid (C3H3N3O3). In the studied process, this reagent combines the roles of a long-acting oxidant and complexing agent due to the resulting Cl– ion. For experimental purposes, the rotating disc technique was applied. Experimental results were evaluated by measuring the concentration of gold in solutions using the atomic adsorption method. The theoretical characteristics of gold dissolution using the proposed reagent were studied. In order to evaluate the applicability of the revealed regularities for practical purposes, comparative indicators for leaching gold from the ore of the Byn’govskoye deposit (Sverdlovsk Oblast) using the proposed reagent, cyanide and CYCAD cyanide substitute (China) were evaluated. The dependence of the gold disc dissolution rate on temperature, as well as leaching reagent and hydrochloric acid concentrations, were studied. In disc sample experiments, the exponential dependence of the dissolution rate on the concentration of the studied reagent was established. In this case, the maximum intensity of the process is achieved at a concentration higher than 50 g/dm3. The optimum acidity level comprises 0.3–0.4 g ion/dm3 of hydrochloric acid. Despite an increase in temperature being shown to accelerate the dissolution process, this appears to be technologically unjustified. Under optimal conditions, the gold disc dissolution rate reaches 0.5•10-3 g ion/(cm2•min), which is approximately one hundred times higher than during the dissolution by the cyanic solutions in conventional modes. Close gold extraction values were achieved in the solutions of cyanides and chlorine-bearing derivatives of isocyanuric acid during the leaching of gold from the ore under the comparable conditions. For CYCAD solutions, the same indicator is two times lower. The results of the performed studies demonstrate the high dissolution rate of gold using the proposed reagent along with the technological possibility of leaching gold from ores using this environmentally friendly reagent.

A particle-based approach to predict the success and selectivity of leaching processes using ethaline - Comparison of simulated and experimental results

Encouraged by the need for ecologically and economically sustainable technologies for the recovery of metals from complex raw materials, ionometallurgical leaching using deep eutectic solvents is emerging as a promising alternative to conventional hydro- and pyrometallurgical process routes. Current approaches of studying leaching processes do not provide a mineral-based understanding of the leaching process – thus limiting the opportunities for process optimization. This study addresses this shortcoming by combining laboratory-based X-ray computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy-based image analysis. The latter method provides precise information on the mineralogy and texture of the leach feed material, whereas CT is used to observe the progress of the leaching process through time. Leaching of AuAg bearing sulfide flotation concentrate by the deep eutectic solvent ethaline with iodine as oxidizing agent is used as a relevant case study. Results show that time-lapse CT provides an accurate estimation of the dissolution rate of pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, telluride minerals and gold. Dissolution rates were used to simulate the metal recoveries from the sulfide concentrate as a function of leaching time. Simulation results are within 5% variation of metal recoveries obtained by batch leaching experiments. The developed workflow can be easily transferred to other ore types or mineral concentrates; results may be used to study and optimize industrial leaching processes.

Surface modification of phosphate ion to promote photocatalytic recovery of precious metals

Photocatalytic recovery, a novel precious metal recycling technology, dedicates to solving the environmental and energy consumption problems caused by traditional technologies. The activation of molecular oxygen (O2) is one of the most critical steps in the whole process. Herein, we regulated the different adsorption intensity of oxygen on the surface by designing phosphate (PO43−) modified titanium oxide (TiO2). The results show that the adsorption of oxygen on the photocatalyst surface is gradually enhanced, which effectively improves the dissolution rate of precious metals. PO43− modification increased the photocatalytic dissolution rate of gold (Au) by 2.8 times. The photocatalytic activity of other precious metals dissolution (such as palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru) and iridium (Ir)) was also significantly improved. It is applied to the recovery of precious metals from spent catalysts and electronic devices to significantly promote the recovery efficiency. This indicates the direction for designing more efficient photocatalysts for precious metal recovery.

Kinetic limitations of gold leaching in ferric chloride media Part I: Batch reactor studies

The global gold industry is under increasing pressure to search for alternative technologies to replace cyanidation due to the inefficiency of cyanide in treating low grade refractory gold ores and increased public scrutiny on the use of cyanide in gold mining. Chloride has been identified as a promising candidate to replace cyanide. Despite extensive efforts to investigate gold leaching in chloride media, gold leaching in ferric chloride media at moderate temperatures relevant to heap leaching has not been well studied. Sponsored by Barrick Gold Corporation, we investigated the thermodynamics and kinetics of gold dissolution in ferric chloride media at moderate temperatures using batch leaching and electrochemical techniques. The Part I of this study reports the effects of four key process variables, initial ferric concentration, total chloride concentration, redox potential of the leaching solution, and the type of chloride salts, on the rate and extent of gold dissolution in ferric chloride media. A series of batch reactor leaching tests was carried out using pure gold as the model mineral. The experimental results showed that the leaching process was either under thermodynamic or kinetic control depending on the leaching conditions. The gold extraction increased with the initial ferric concentration up to 0.3 M, after which a negative effect was observed. This was thought to be caused by the transition from cathodic reduction of the oxidant controlling the kinetics to anodic oxidation of gold controlling the kinetics. Increasing total chloride concentration and the redox potential of the leaching solution also increased the gold extraction. Gold extraction was higher in the presence of the monovalent salts than in the presence of the divalent salts.

Complementary electrochemical ICP-MS flow cell and in-situ AFM study of the anodic desorption of molecular adhesion promotors

Molecular adhesion promoters are a central component of modern coating systems for the corrosion protection of structural materials. They are interface active and form ultrathin corrosion inhibiting and adhesion-promoting layers. Here we utilize thiol-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as model system for demonstrating a comprehensive combinatorial approach to understand molecular level corrosion protection mechanisms under anodic polarization. Specifically, we compare hydrophilic 11-Mercapto-1-undecanol and hydrophobic 1-Undecanethiol SAMs and their gold-dissolution inhibiting properties. We can show that the intermolecular forces (hydrophobic vs hydrophilic effects) control how SAM layers perform under oxidative conditions. Specifically, using in situ electrochemical AFM and a flow cell coupled to an ICP-MS a complementary view on both corrosion resistance, as well as on changes in surface morphology/adhesion of the SAM is possible. Protection from oxidative dissolution is higher with hydrophobic SAMs, which detach under micelle formation, while the hydrophilic SAM exhibits lower protective effects on gold dissolution rates, although it stays intact as highly mobile layer under anodic polarization. The developed multi-technique approach will prove useful for studying the interfacial activity and corrosion suppression mechanism of inhibiting molecules on other metals and alloys.

Leaching of Gold with Copper-citrate-thiosulfate Solutions

ABSTRACT The use of citrate as an alternative reagent to ammonia in thiosulfate solutions offers an environmentally friendly, nontoxic, and cost-effective leaching method for gold extraction from ore/concentrate. In this work, the behavior of gold disc with copper-citrate-thiosulfate solutions has been investigated to identify the leaching mechanism of gold in the complex system of citrate-thiosulfate. The experimental parameters include rotating speed of gold disc, temperature, solution pH, and composition of lixiviant. The addition of copper and citrate in thiosulfate solutions can accelerate gold dissolution rate by about an order of magnitude. For the copper-citrate-thiosulfate system, thiosulfate ion works as the complexing agent for aurous ion, and it is extremely critical to the gold leaching process. The results of kinetic analysis of the leaching data indicate a chemical reaction-controlled process under the experimental conditions, giving an activation energy of 49.74 kJ/mol. The reaction orders of gold leaching with respect to copper, citrate, and thiosulfate concentration in copper-citrate-thiosulfate solutions are 0.95, −1.49, and 1.18, respectively. An acceptable gold leaching rate of 0.18 to 0.27 μmol·m−2·s−1 could be obtained under the conditions of above 0.1 mol/L copper and thiosulfate concentrations.

Increase in gold dissolution in copper ammonia thiosulfate solution via cobalt surface modification

When gold was leached using copper ammonia thiosulfate solution, the dissolution rate of gold decreased as the leaching time increased. The dissolution of gold powder with 44 and 77 μm particles was studied，and the results indicated that the dissolution rate was not decreased by surface passivation or the decrease in copper concentration but by the changes of the electronic structure of the gold surface caused by the change in the exposed crystal surface. The transmission electron microscopy images of the gold powder revealed that the high-index (220) and (311) crystal surfaces almost disappeared during leaching. Furthermore, the surface of gold consisted mainly of the low-index (111) crystal surface during the later stages of leaching. Owing to the changes in crystal surface, the work function of the gold surface increased from 6.56 to 6.95 eV, and the increase in work function hindered the loss of electrons from the gold surface. When cobalt was used to modify the gold surface, the work function decreased from 6.56 to 5.99 eV. The leaching results indicated that the cobalt modification increased gold dissolution, and the gold leaching percentage was increased by 40% within 8 h. the tendency of gold to dissolve more easily after it underwent surface modification was confirmed by the apparent activation energy of the surface-modified being lower than that of the fresh gold powder, the formation of intermediate products of Co3O4 with high oxidation ability and the galvanic interaction between cobalt and gold electrodes. Dry-grind was applied for gold concentrate calcine and different contents of cobalt powder to study the possibility of industrial application of this effect. The results showed that only adding 50 mg cobalt to 100 g gold ores was beneficial to gold leaching

An electrochemical method to investigate the effects of compound composition on gold dissolution in thiosulfate solution

AbstractThe electrochemical behavior of gold dissolution in the Cu2+–NH3–S2O32−–EDTA solution has been investigated in detail by deriving and analyzing the Tafel polarization curve, as this method is currently widely implemented for the electrode corrosion analysis. The dissolution rate of gold in Cu2+–NH3–S2O32−–EDTA solution was determined based on the Tafel polarization curves, and the effects of various compound compositions in a Cu2+–NH3–S2O32−–EDTA mixture on the corrosion potential and corrosion current density were analyzed. The results showed that the corrosion potential and polarization resistance decreased, whereas the corrosion current density increased for certain concentrations of S2O32−–NH3–Cu2+and EDTA, indicating that the dissolution rate of gold had changed. The reason for promoting the dissolution of gold is also discussed.

Effect of redox potential and OCP in ferric and cupric chloride leaching of gold

The research presented contributes to the global goal of responsible production by providing robust tools for the optimization of gold dissolution in cyanide-free gold leaching solutions, which represent emerging non-toxic gold technologies. In the current study, gold dissolution was investigated in ferric and cupric chloride solutions. The effect of the redox potential on the open circuit potential (OCP) and dissolution rate of gold was investigated experimentally in the parameter range of T = 25–95 °C, [Fe3+/Cu2+] = 0.02–1.0 M, [Cl−] = 1–5 M, pH = 0.0–2.0, and ωcyc = 2500 RPM. A high rotational speed was chosen to minimize the effects of limited mass transfer rate. The aim was to provide tools for estimating the gold dissolution rate in ferric and cupric chloride solutions, using the solution properties. The results showed that redox potentials, OCPs, and dissolution rates were constantly higher in ferric chloride solutions compared to corresponding cupric chloride solutions. The multilinear regression models for redox potential showed that a rise in temperature and oxidant concentration increased the redox potential in both ferric and cupric chloride solutions. However, an increase in the chloride concentration decreased the redox potential in ferric chloride solutions, whereas the effect was the opposite in cupric solutions. A rise in the pH value increased the redox potential in ferric solutions, but this was found to be an insignificant variable in cupric chloride leaching within the investigated parameter range. The redox potential had a positive correlation with OCP and the logarithm of the gold dissolution rate in both investigated systems. The results suggest that, in the chloride leaching systems examined, the solution properties can be used to determine the redox potential, and furthermore, the redox potential can be used to estimate the gold dissolution rate. This study provides an experimentally verified tool for the robust estimation of the gold dissolution rate in chloride systems.

Leaching of gold from a free milling gold ore in copper-citrate-thiosulfate solutions at elevated temperatures

For the last two decades, a considerable amount of research has focused on developing a completely safe and non-toxic leaching process for gold to replace cyanidation. In this research, a free milling gold ore is leached using copper-citrate-thiosulfate solutions at elevated temperatures, where citrate serves as a stabilizer of cupric ion. Experimental factors such as agitation speed, temperature, initial pH, concentration of copper, citrate and thiosulfate have been investigated. Meanwhile, effects of these parameters on the thiosulfate consumption and Cu2Cit2H−24− complex stability are also examined in the leaching process. The experimental results show that the copper-citrate-thiosulfate system has a similar extraction capacity for gold compared to the traditional cyanidation. The results of kinetic analysis of dissolution rate of gold indicate the leaching process gold from free milling ores may be controlled by the product layer diffusion under the experimental conditions, with an activation energy of 34.48 kJ/mol. The copper-citrate-thiosulfate system has some advantages over cyanidation, such as green, nontoxic and shorter leaching time, although a high leaching temperature above 70 °C is usually required to an acceptable gold extraction. Obviously, the system still needs to be further developed to ensure its commercial viability.

Study of the “Oxidation-Complexation” Coordination Composite Ionic Liquid System for Dissolving Precious Metals

The extraction of precious metals is of significant importance for recycling valuable precious metal resources, however, most of the current methods for extraction are inefficient, energy-intensive, or environmentally unfriendly. Herein, we report a new chemical dissolution system for precious metals employing the trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) as an oxidant and tributyl monomethyl ammonium chloride (N4441Cl) as a complexant. The leaching yield was achieving 100 wt% for the metals of Au, Pd, Cu, and Ag at 25 °C, and the average dissolution rate of gold was reaching 375 mg/h, 107.1 times higher than that of traditional cyanide method. Based on the analysis of UV-Vis and XPS results, a possible reaction mechanism was proposed: the precious metals were probably oxidized by TCCA, then the formed precious metal ions coordinate with N4441Cl strongly to promote the dissolution process. Applied to gold dissolution from ores, waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) and waste catalysts, the leaching yield of the TCCA-N4441Cl coordinative composite reached 97, 100, and 100 wt%, respectively, demonstrating that this method is not only efficient and environmentally friendly, but also with great adaptability and high potential for real applications.

Effect of Triethanolamine as a New and Efficient Additive on Thiosulfate-Copper-Ammonia System Leaching of Gold

A new and efficient additive, triethanolamine (TEA), was used on pure gold leaching in a thiosulfate-copper-ammonia system. An appropriate TEA concentration enhanced the gold dissolution rate and reduced thiosulfate consumption. The beneficial effect became most pronounced in the case of MTEA:Mcopper = 1:1, where the gold dissolution rate increased by approximately 50% and thiosulfate consumption decreased by approximately 10%. The possible mechanisms of TEA are as follows: TEA combines with cupric and ammonia, which enhances the catalytic oxidation ability of Cu(II). Meanwhile, TEA can reduce the consumption of thiosulfate caused by the oxidation of Cu(II) and hence decreases the formation of passivation layers on the gold surface. Furthermore, the deprotonated ethanolic oxygen atoms of [Cu(NH3)x(TEA)y] act as bridging ligands, which could form an “electronic bridge” that benefits the electron transfer from Au0 to Cu2+. In addition, the actual main reaction complex in the cupric-ammonia-TEA complex ([Cu(NH3)x(TEA)y]) was [Cu(NH3)3TEA]2+.