Work

NH4Cl recovery from high-ammonia organic waste liquor by electrolysis with aluminum soluble anode

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: High-ammonia organic waste liquor is regarded as highly toxic and non-biodegradable due to containing high concentration of ammonia and organic refractory compounds. Treating high-ammonia organic waste liquor could be costly in the need of large energy or chemical agent input. Recovery of ammonium is an alternative way because high ammonium waste liquor could act as a reservoir of nitrogenous fertilizer. In this study, NH4Cl was separated from waste liquor by electrolysis with aluminum-soluble anode. The white foamy substances with NH4Cl purity over 90 % were produced at a current density of 12.5 mA/cm2 with 100 min electrocution. The white foamy substance production rate was increased as pH rose, and NH4Cl purity increased from 82.44 % at pH 4 to 91.34 % at pH 6. The soluble aluminum from anode sacrifice promoted crystallization and separation of NH4Cl by participating in the formation of CGAs (Colloidal Gas Aphrons) and improving their stability. Organic substances in the liquor functioned as surfactant to generate of CGAs, CGAs carried NH4Cl crystals floated to the surface and formed the white foamy substance. The study proposes an efficient, sustainable method for the hazardous high-ammonia organic waste liquor resource utilization.

Source: Desalination and Water Treatment

DOI: 10.1016/j.dwt.2024.100694

Authors: Yunjiao Wu, Songyan Qin, Xinning Gao, Lixin Zhao

Institution: Tianjin University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Extraction and Separation Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000