Separation of copper and indium from zinc hydrometallurgy solution
-
Zhigan Deng
,
Minting Li
Abstract
The separation and recovery of copper and indium from a solution arising from the reductive leaching of a zinc leaching residue was studied. Copper was enriched into a copper precipitate produced by iron powder precipitation; indium was hydrolyzed and enriched into a gypsum indium precipitate produced by limestone adjustment of pH. Separation and recovery of both copper and indium were achieved. The results showed that precipitation of copper(II) and arsenic(III) as Cu2O and Cu3As is thermodynamically feasible by adding iron powder to the reductive leach of a zinc leaching residue. Increasing the iron powder addition and reaction temperature promoted the formation of Cu2O and Cu3As. In the process of neutralizing and precipitating indium by adjusting the pH using limestone, indium was mainly concentrated in the precipitate by hydrolytic precipitation. The pH of the neutralization endpoint plays a decisive role in this hydrolytic enrichment. The extent of indium precipitation exceeded 98%, and the indium content of the precipitate reached 3.6 kg/t. Addition of limestone balances the acid across the entire production process. The main phase in the gypsum indium precipitate was CaSO4·2H2O, the stable properties of which create favorable conditions for the recovery of indium in subsequent steps.
Funding source: Yunnan Province Applied Foundation Research Programs, China
Award Identifier / Grant number: 2020FB081, 202001AT070079
Funding source: National Key Research Development Program of China
Award Identifier / Grant number: 2018YFC1900402
Funding source: National Natural Science Foundation of China
Award Identifier / Grant number: 51664030, 51964029, and 51804146
Acknowledgment
This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 51664030, 51964029, and 51804146), National Key Research Development Program of China (Grant No. 2018YFC1900402), and Yunnan Province Applied Foundation Research Programs, China (No. 2020FB081 and 202001AT070079). We thank Kathryn Sole, PhD, from Liwen Bianji, Edanz Group China (www.liwenbianji.cn/ac), for editing the English text of a draft of this manuscript.
Author contribution: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.
Research funding: This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 51664030, 51964029, and 51804146), National Key Research Development Program of China (Grant No. 2018YFC1900402), and Yunnan Province Applied Foundation Research Programs, China (No. 2020FB081 and 202001AT070079).
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding this article.
References
Aksamitowski, P., K. Filipowiak, and K. Wieszczycka. 2019. “Selective Extraction of Copper from Cu–Zn Sulfate Media by New Generation Extractants.” Separation and Purification Technology 222: 22–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2019.03.100.10.1016/j.seppur.2019.03.100Search in Google Scholar
Alguacil, F. J., I. Garcia-Diaz, and E. Escudero. 2019. “Extraction of Indium(III) from Sulphuric Acid Medium by the Ionic Liquid (PJMTH+HSO4−).” Separation and Purification Technology 211: 764–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2018.10.051.10.1016/j.seppur.2018.10.051Search in Google Scholar
Chen, B. Z., R. H. Tang, Z. G. Gong, and Y. H. Qiu. 2001. “Thermodynamic Analysis of Copper Arsenate Preparation Process.” The Chinese Journal of Nonferrous Metals 11(3): 510–3, https://doi.org/10.19476/j.ysxb.1004.0609.2001.03.035. (In Chinese).Search in Google Scholar
Fan, Y. Y., Y. Liu, L. P. Niu, T. L. Jing, W. G. Zhang, and T. A. Zhang. 2019. “Reductive Leaching of Indium-Bearing Zinc Ferrite in Sulfuric Acid Using Sulfur Dioxide as a Reductant.” Hydrometallurgy 186: 192–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2019.04.020.10.1016/j.hydromet.2019.04.020Search in Google Scholar
Han, J. W., W. Liu, W. Q. Qin, X. Cai, H. L. Luo, and D. W. Wang. 2016. “Selective Decomposition Behavior of Zinc Ferrite by Reduction Roasting with CO.” The Chinese Journal of Nonferrous Metals 26(6): 1324–31, https://doi.org/10.19476/j.ysxb.1004.0609.2016.06.021. (In Chinese).Search in Google Scholar
Huang, H., F. Zhang, Z. G. Deng, C. Wei, X. B. Li, M. T. Li, and C. X. Li. 2019. “Leaching of Indium from Indium-and Iron-Bearing Sphalerite Concentrate in Sulfuric Acid–Ferric Sulfate Solution.” International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering 17 (10): 8P. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijcre-2018-0301.10.1515/ijcre-2018-0301Search in Google Scholar
Li, X. B., C. Wei, Z. G. Deng, C. X. Li, G. Fan, H. Rong, and F. Zhang. 2015. “Extraction and Separation of Indium and Copper from Zinc Residue Leach Liquor by Solvent Extraction.” Separation and Purification Technology 156: 348–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2015.10.021.10.1016/j.seppur.2015.10.021Search in Google Scholar
Li, S. W., H. Y. Li, W. H. Chen, J. H. Peng, A. Y. MA, S. H. Yin, L. B. Zhang, and K. Yang. 2018. “Ammonia Leaching of Zinc from Low-Grade Oxide Zinc Ores Using the Enhancement of the Microwave Irradiation.” International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering 16 (3): 9P. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijcre-2017-0055.10.1515/ijcre-2017-0055Search in Google Scholar
Liu, Y., J. Tan, Z. L. Yin, C. C. Liu, Q. Y. Chen, P. M. Zhang, Z. Liao, and X. H. Wang. 2016. “Roasting Pretreatment of Iron-Sinking Slag and Zinc Leaching Residue in Zinc Hydrometallurgy.” The Chinese Journal of Nonferrous Metals 26(1): 212–22, https://doi.org/10.19476/j.ysxb.1004.0609.2016.01.025. (In Chinese).Search in Google Scholar
Min, X. B., Y. P. Liao, L. Y. Chai, Z. H. Yang, S. Xiong, L. Liu, and Q. Z. Li. 2015. “Removal and Stabilization of Arsenic from Anode Slime by Forming Crystal Scorodite.” Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China 25 (4): 1298–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1003-6326(15)63728-1.10.1016/S1003-6326(15)63728-1Search in Google Scholar
Stefanowicz, T., M. Osinska, and S. Napieralska-Zagozda. 1997. “Copper Recovery by the Cementation Method.” Hydrometallurgy 47 (1): 69–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0304-386x(97)00036-4.10.1016/S0304-386X(97)00036-4Search in Google Scholar
Wang, H. J., W. X. Gong, R. P. Liu, H. J. Liu, and J. H. Qu. 2011. “Treatment of High Arsenic Content Wastewater by a Combined Physical-Chemical Process.” Colloids and Surface A: Physiochemical and Engineering Aspects 379 (1/3): 116–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2010.11.047.10.1016/j.colsurfa.2010.11.047Search in Google Scholar
Xie, X. J., K. Lv, M. Yan, and L. Pan. 2007. “Potential-pH Chart for Copper-Water System and Controlling pH of Internal Cooling Water to Prevent Generator from Corrosion.” Corrosion Science and Protection Technology 193: 162–3. (In Chinese).Search in Google Scholar
Zhang, F., C. Wei, Z. G. Deng, X. B. Li, C. X. Li, and M. T. Li. 2016a. “Reductive Leaching of Indium-Bearing Zinc Residue in Sulfuric Acid Using Sphalerite Concentrate as Reductant.” Hydrometallurgy 161: 102–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2016.01.029.10.1016/j.hydromet.2016.01.029Search in Google Scholar
Zhang, F., C. Wei, Z. G. Deng, C. X. Li, X. B. Li, and M. T. Li. 2016b. “Reductive Leaching of Zinc and Indium from Industrial Zinc Ferrite Particulates in Sulphuric Acid Media.” Transaction of Nonferrous Metals Society of China 26 (9): 2495–501, https://doi.org/10.1016/s1003-6326(16)64342-x. (In Chinese).10.1016/S1003-6326(16)64342-XSearch in Google Scholar
Zheng, Y., Z. G. Deng, G. Fan, and C. Wei. 2020. “Limestone Neutralization and Hydrolysis of Indium and Crystallization Behavior of CaSO4·2H2O.” Chinese Journal of Rare Metals 44 (6): 622–9, https://doi.org/10.13373/j.cnki.cjrm.xy18100015.Search in Google Scholar
Zheng, Y., Z. G. Deng, G. Fan, C. Wei, G. Fan, X. B. Li, C. X. Li, and M. T. Li. 2019. “Reductive Decomposition of Zinc Ferrite and Zinc Residues by Sulfur Dioxide.” The Chinese Journal of Nonferrous Metals 29(1): 170–8, https://doi.org/10.19476/j.ysxb.1004.0609.2019.01.20. (In Chinese).Search in Google Scholar
© 2020 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Articles
- Application of statistical analysis, Deng’s relevancy and BP neural network for predicting molten iron sulfur in COREX process
- Batch and packed bed techniques for adsorptive aqueous phase removal of selected phenoxyacetic acid herbicide using sugar industry waste ash
- Fluidization characteristics of wide-size-distribution particles in a gas-solid fluidized bed reactor
- Separation of copper and indium from zinc hydrometallurgy solution
- Reactor engineering calculations with a detailed reaction mechanism for the oxidative coupling of methane
- Influence of alkaline modification on different adsorption behavior between ZSM-5 and LSX zeolite for toluene
- Esterification of glycerol with acetic acid using a sulfonated polyphenylene sulfide non-woven fabric as a catalyst
- Effect of H/D ratio and impeller type on power consumption of agitator in continuous stirred tank reactor for nitrocellulose production from cotton linter and nitric acid
- Retraction
- Retraction note
Articles in the same Issue
- Articles
- Application of statistical analysis, Deng’s relevancy and BP neural network for predicting molten iron sulfur in COREX process
- Batch and packed bed techniques for adsorptive aqueous phase removal of selected phenoxyacetic acid herbicide using sugar industry waste ash
- Fluidization characteristics of wide-size-distribution particles in a gas-solid fluidized bed reactor
- Separation of copper and indium from zinc hydrometallurgy solution
- Reactor engineering calculations with a detailed reaction mechanism for the oxidative coupling of methane
- Influence of alkaline modification on different adsorption behavior between ZSM-5 and LSX zeolite for toluene
- Esterification of glycerol with acetic acid using a sulfonated polyphenylene sulfide non-woven fabric as a catalyst
- Effect of H/D ratio and impeller type on power consumption of agitator in continuous stirred tank reactor for nitrocellulose production from cotton linter and nitric acid
- Retraction
- Retraction note
