Electrochemical reductive conversion of chalcopyrite with SO2

  • C. A. C. Sequeria
Chapter

Synopsis

The electrochemical reduction of chalcopyrite electrodes was investigated with SO2 as reducing agent and also with imposed potentials applied externally in the absence of SO2. The cathodic reduction reactions involved,are,2CuFeS2+3Cu2++4e-=Cu5FeS4+Fe2+Cu5FeS4+3Cu2++4e-=4Cu2S+Fe2+

The anodic oxidation reaction of so2, SO2+2H2O=3H++HSO4 -+2e-

During the reaction a defect structure of chalcopyrite, deficient in iron, followed by bornite was observed as intermediate reaction products; and the final product was actually djurleite (Cu1.96S). A logarithmic rate expression was derived for broad variations in solution concentration and temperature. Interesting commercial implications are advanced.

Keywords

Cathodic Polarization Cathodic Polarization Curve Electrolytic Reduction Copper Sulphide Intermediate Reaction Product 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. 1.
    Haas, L. A. and Shafter, J. L, (eds.). Panel discussion on copper hydrometallurgical economics. Journal of Metals, vol. 31, no. 7, July 1979, p. 40–47.Google Scholar
  2. 2.
    Arbiter, N. and Milligan, D. A. Reduction of copper amine solutions to metal with sulphur dioxide. Extractive Metallurgy of Copper, vol. II. New York: The Metallurgical Society of American Institute of Mining Engineering, 1976. p. 974–993.Google Scholar
  3. 3.
    Atwood, G. E. and Curtis, C.H., Duval Corp., U. S. Patents 3, 785, 944 and 3, 879, 272 (1974).Google Scholar
  4. 4.
    Ammonia pressure leaching. G. Bolton. In: Hydrometallurgy: Theory and Practice Course Notes. Organised by the Centre for Metallurgical and Process Engineering. Vancouver: The university of British Columbia, 1988. Chapter XIV, 20pp.Google Scholar
  5. 5.
    Swinkels, G. M., Berezowsky, R. M. G. S., Kawulka, P., Kirby, C. R., Bolton, G. L., Maschmeyer, D. E. G., Milner, E. F. G. and Parekh, B. M. The Sherrit-Cominco Copper Process — Part I, II, and III. Canadian Mining and Metallurgical Bulletin, February 1978, p. 1–35.Google Scholar
  6. 6.
    Subramanian, K. N. and Kanduth, H. Activation and leaching of chalcopyrite concentrate. Canadian Mining and Metallurgical Bulletin, June 1973, p. 88–91.Google Scholar
  7. 7.
    Sohn, H. -J. and Wadsworth, M. E. Reduction of chalcopyrite with SO2 in the presence of cupric ions. Journal of Metals, vol. 32, no. 11, November 1980, p. 18–23.Google Scholar
  8. 8.
    Habashi, F., The electrometallurgy of sulphides in aqueous solutions. Mining Science & Engineering, vol. 3, no. 3, March 1971, p. 3–12.Google Scholar
  9. 9.
    Baur, J. D., Gibbs, H. L. and Wadsworth, M. E.. Initial-stage sulphuric acid leaching kinetics of chalcopyrite using radiochemical technique. Bureau of Mines, RI 7823, 1974.Google Scholar
  10. 10.
    Hiskey, J. B. and Wadsworth, M. E.. Galvanic conversion of chalcopyrite. Metallurgical Transactions B, vol. 6B, 1975, p. 183–190.ADSGoogle Scholar
  11. 11.
    Nicol, M. J. Mechanism of aqueous reduction of chalcopyrite by copper, iron and lead. Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, vol. 84, 1975, p. C206–C209.Google Scholar
  12. 12.
    Biegler, T. and Swift, D. A.. The electrolytic reduction of chalcopyrite in acid solution. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, vol. 6, 1976, p. 229–235.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  13. 13.
    Cabri, L.J. and Hall, S. R.. Mooihoekite and Haycokite, two new copper-iron sulphides, and their relationship to chalcopyrite and talnakhite. American Mineralogist, vol. 57, 1972, p. 689–708.Google Scholar
  14. 14.
    Jones, D. L. and Peters, E.. The leaching of chalcopyrite with ferric sulfate and ferric chloride. Extractive Metallurgy of Copper, vol. II. New York: The Metallurgical Society of American Institute of Mining Engineering, 1976, p. 633–653.Google Scholar
  15. 15.
    Peters, E.. The electrochemistry of sulphide minerals. In Trends in Electrochemistry, eds. by J. O’ M. Bockris, D. A. J. Rand and B. J. Welch. New York: Plenum Press. 1977, p. 267–290.Google Scholar
  16. 16.
    Koch, D. F. A.. Electrochemistry of sulfide minerals. In Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry, vol. 10, eds. J. O’ M. Bockris and B. E. Conway. New York: Plenum Press, 1975, p. 211–237.Google Scholar
  17. 17.
    Gardner, J. R. and Woods, R.. An electrochemical investigation of the natural flotability of chalcopyrite. International Journal of Mining Processing, vol. 6, 1979, p. 1–16.ADSCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  18. 18.
    Dankwert, P. V. Gas-liquid Reaction. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1970, p. 18–20.Google Scholar
  19. 19.
    Cher, M. and Davidson, N.. The Kinetics of the oxygenation of ferrous iron in phosphoric acid solution. Journal of American Chemical Society, vol. 77, 1955, p. 793–798.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  20. 20.
    Wells, J. A. and Snelgrove, W. R.. The design and engineering of copper electrowinning tankhouses. In Electrometallurgical Plant Practice, eds. P. L. Claessens and G.B. Harris. New York: Pergamon Press, 1990, p. 57–72.Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Institution of Mining and Metallurgy 1991

Authors and Affiliations

  • C. A. C. Sequeria
    • 1
  1. 1.Instituto Superior TécnicoLisbonPortugal

Personalised recommendations