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Published on: December 20, 2016
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Ionic liquids for metal extraction from chalcopyrite: solid, liquid and gas phase studies
O Kuzmina1, E Symianakis, D Godfrey
1Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK. okuzmina@imperial.ac.uk.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|August 3, 2017
Summary
Ionic liquids (ILs) effectively leach copper and iron from chalcopyrite ore. The anion type significantly impacts leaching efficiency, with carbon disulfide (CS2) production enhancing metal recovery.
Area of Science:
- Hydrometallurgy and Materials Science
- Green Chemistry and Sustainable Processes
- Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
Background:
- Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) is a primary copper ore, but its direct leaching is challenging due to its refractory nature.
- Traditional leaching methods often involve harsh oxidants and generate toxic byproducts.
- Ionic liquids (ILs) offer tunable properties as alternative, potentially greener leaching agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the nonoxidative leaching performance of various ionic liquids (ILs) for copper and iron extraction from chalcopyrite.
- To evaluate the influence of IL cation and anion composition on leaching efficiency.
- To elucidate the role of ILs and byproducts in the surface chemistry of chalcopyrite during leaching.
Main Methods:
- Leaching experiments were conducted using aqueous solutions of ILs with imidazolium and ethylammonium cations and hydrogensulfate, nitrate, acetate, or dicyanamide anions.
- Characterization of liquid, solid, and gas phases of the leaching systems.
- Analysis of gas products (CO2, CS2) and surface changes on chalcopyrite samples.
Main Results:
- Leaching efficiency was highly dependent on IL anion species, temperature, and pH.
- 1-butylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate demonstrated superior leaching performance among hydrogen sulfate ILs.
- Production of carbon disulfide (CS2) was observed in all leaching systems and is proposed to decrease the sulfur layer, enhancing leaching.
Conclusions:
- Nonoxidative leaching of chalcopyrite using ILs is feasible and influenced by IL chemistry.
- The anion plays a critical role, with CS2 formation potentially improving leaching efficiency by modifying the chalcopyrite surface.
- This study provides a foundational systematic comparison of ILs for chalcopyrite leaching without added oxidants.
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