Metal Recovery by Electrodeposition from a Molten Salt Two-Phase Cell System

Abstract

A novel electrochemical recovery method of Co, Cu, Mn and Ni from a reactor based on two immiscible molten phases, to enable selective metal plating, sufficient feedstock dissolution and protection from re-oxidation, was designed and characterised through voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The immiscible phases in the electrolytic cell were NaCl and Na2O-2B2O3 at 1173 K, and the metal feedstock to be recovered was either metal chlorides or metal oxides of Co, Cu, Mn and Ni. Metals could be successfully recovered as plated metal deposits and the formal redox reaction potentials were reported. Metals thermodynamic behaviour differences between the cells were analysed. Analysis of the metal deposits showed that the recovered metals were of high purity (∼99%). This offers an alternative method to recycle valuable metals present in the growing e-waste stream.

Green and Sustainable Rare Earth Element Recycling and Reuse from End-of-Life Permanent Magnets

“…Some of these approaches are based on the material activation before or during REE extraction (e.g., by MW and mechanochemical methods), while other ones utilize extracting compounds (e.g., surfactants). These emerging technologies include an application of supercritical fluid [13], molten salt [15], electrochemistry [16], MWs, and mechanochemistry [17,18]. All these methods have a significant potential to be an alternative to the present industrial technologies, moving us toward the achievement of efficient, less-energy-consuming, eco-friendly, and scalable extraction of valuable metals.…”

In-Situ Li-Ion Pouch Cell Diagnostics Utilising Plasmonic Based Optical Fibre Sensors

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Advanced design of a x-ray absorption spectroscopy setup for measuring transition metals speciation in molten carbonates, hydroxides and hydrogenosulfates

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