Resourceful cleaner preparation of Sb2O3 with vacuum vaporization- condensation from hazardous arsenic antimony dust

Abstract

Hazardous arsenic antimony dust (HAAD), a perilous by-product with significant antimony and arsenic concentrations generated in smelters, poses a substantial environmental threat. The imperative of resource recycling and the innocuous processing of HAAD stand as prevalent challenges and pressing priorities. This study introduces an innovative vacuum vaporization-condensation technique, capitalizing on the intrinsic merits of vacuum metallurgy, to synthesize Sb2O3. ICP analysis evidenced an enhancement in the purity of the Sb2O3 product from an initial 73.96–91.35%, with a concomitant reduction in As impurities from 18.10–6.20%, and residual contaminants approximating 0.17% following a dual-phase vacuum vaporization-condensation process at divergent temperatures. XRD assessments affirmed the feasibility of direct Sb2O3 synthesis via vapor-phase migration and condensate amalgamation, achieving substantial As2O3 impurity diminution. SEM and EPMA observations underscored a homogenous particulate morphology in the refined Sb2O3. Incomplete As extraction from the refined Sb2O3 product was attributed to the persistence of (As, Sb2)O4.5, accompanied by partial Sb attrition throughout the fabrication sequence. The suboptimal partitioning efficacy of (As, Sb2)O4.5 warrants further investigation. This methodology underscores its environmental compatibility, characterized by zero gaseous effluent, absence of wastewater expulsion, and elimination of reagent usage, thereby mitigating environmental detriments and paving the way for the sustainable exploitation of HAAD.