Prediction and measurement of multi-metal electrodeposition rates and efficiencies in aqueous acidic chloride media

摘要: Abstract A novel process is being developed for metal recovery from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) involving a leach reactor coupled to an electrochemical reactor. Metals such as Ag, Au, Cu, Pb, Pd, Sn, etc. are dissolved shredded WEEE in acidic aqueous chloride electrolyte by oxidizing them with chlorine species. In the reactor: (i) generated at anode use oxidant reactor, and, simultaneously, (ii) cathode, metals electrodeposited solution. The Butler–Volmer equation was used provide predictions of electrode potential dependences partial current densities, hence total efficiencies alloy compositions, electrolytes containing Ag(I), Au(III), Cu(II), Fe(III), Pb(II), Pd(IV) Sn(IV) species, together chlorine. With judicious choice kinetic parameters, predicted density—electrode behaviour solutions good agreement experimental data rotating Pt disc electrode. Reduction exhibited mass transport controlled behaviour, Levich's over range 0.3–0.9 V (SHE). This could form basis linear sensor, possibly using microelectrode measurement control concentration efflux reactors inlet cathodes electrowinning reactors, envisaged process.