Selective electrodeposition to extract cobalt and nickel from leaching solution

Abstract

Leaching solutions of complex ore concentrates are reach in different elements, some hindering the extraction of others. Chemically similar elements are difficult to extract using conventional separation methods. Electrochemical techniques are employed for Co and Ni selective extraction out of so-called pregnant leaching solution (PLS). Selective electrodeposition using chronoamperometry (CA) as a tool was used to extract cobalt and /or nickel from the solution. Besides different ions depositing at applied cathodic potential, hydrogen evolution reaction also occurs, which can impede deposition of the desired metals. Previous Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) analysis of prepared model solutions at different pH values, and upon H2O2 addition, was conducted. The removal of metal ions from the solution, can be performed with adjusting the pH and applied potential (E), so their combination in electrochemical hydro-extraction for Ni and Co is investigated. It has been demonstrated that Fe can be separated from Ni and Co through Fe precipitation in the pH range of 3-6, followed by the electrochemical extraction of Ni/Co.

Authors 3

1. Jonas Mitterecker Aachen Process Metallurgy and Metal Recycling

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Process Metallurgy and Metal Recycling , RWTH Aachen University , Intzestraβe 3 , D 52072 Aachen , Germany;

2. Milica G. Košević

   University of Belgrade · Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Belgrade - Institute of Chemistry , Technology and Metallurgy - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia , Department of Electrochemistry , Njegoševa 12 , 11 000 Belgrade , Serbia;

3. Marija Mihailović

   University of Belgrade · Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Belgrade - Institute of Chemistry , Technology and Metallurgy - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia , Department of Electrochemistry , Njegoševa 12 , 11 000 Belgrade , Serbia;