The Reductive Leaching of Chalcopyrite by Chromium(II) Chloride for the Rapid and Complete Extraction of Copper
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process is developed to lower the costs of copper production and thereby sustain the use of copper throughout the global transition to renewable energy technologies. The unique feature of the hydrometallurgical process is the reductive treatment of chalcopyrite, which is in contrast to the oxidative treatment more commonly pursued in the literature. Chalcopyrite reduction by chromium(II) ion is described for the first time and superior kinetics are shown. At high concentrate loadings of 39, 78, and 117 g L−1, chalcopyrite reacted completely within minutes at room temperature and pressure. The XRD, SEM‐EDS, and XPS measurements indicate that chalcopyrite reacts to form copper(I) chloride (CuCl). After the reductive treatment, the mineral products are leached by iron(III) sulfate to demonstrate the complete extraction of copper. The chromium(II) ion may be regenerated by an electrolysis unit inspired by an iron chromium flow battery in a practical industrial process.
Source: ChemistryOpen
Institution: Columbia University
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,420
OpenAlex ID: W4313545407