Selective Gold Ion Sorption from Iron-Containing Solution Using an Interpolymer System of Industrial Ion Exchangers

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Increasing demand for precious metals necessitates efficient recovery methods.
• Depleting reserves highlight the need for sustainable gold reclamation from industrial effluents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an interpolymer system for selective gold(I) ion recovery.
• To assess the sorption and desorption efficiency of the ion exchange system for gold recovery.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an interpolymer system of KU-2-8 (H+) and AV-17-8 (OH-) ion exchangers.
• Simulated gold(I)/iron(II) mixed solutions were used to test sorption capacity and selectivity.
• Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC) were employed for material characterization.

Main Results:

• The optimal KU-2-8:AV-17-8 (3:3) ratio achieved 97.0% Au(I) sorption and 98.0% desorption efficiency.
• High selectivity for Au(I) over Fe(II) was confirmed with a separation coefficient (β) of 40.62.
• FTIR and TGA/DSC analyses indicated stable ion interactions and enhanced thermal stability of the ion exchanger post-sorption.

Conclusions:

• The KU-2-8:AV-17-8 (3:3) interpolymer system offers a highly selective and efficient method for gold recovery.
• This system presents a sustainable solution for reclaiming gold from industrial wastewater in hydrometallurgical processes.