Sustainable copper extraction from mixed chalcopyrite–chalcocite using biomass

Polyethylenimine–Silica–Magnetic Nanoparticle Composites for Efficient Extraction of Dissolved Copper from Aqueous Solutions and Multiphase Mixtures

“…In hydrometallurgical processing, copper is typically extracted from comminuted chalcopyrite by corrosive, oxidative liquids that are generally acidic with pH < 4 or, less traditionally, ammonium based liquors with pH ≥ 8. − During both acidic and basic leaching, passivation of the ore particles occurs, hampering the rate and efficiency of the process. , Commonly, the leaching rate is increased by addition of aggressive lixiviants along with high temperature (80–100 °C), − increasing the cost and environmental impact of copper production. Alternatively, the use of catalysis or biocatalysis can turn the process into a longer but more sustainable extraction in less corrosive aqueous solutions and at ambient temperature. , Experiments in the present work were designed to test the ability of MC particles to extract copper from chalcopyrite ore in relatively mild conditions without use of any additional chemicals (lixiviants). A 0.1 M KNO 3 aqueous solution was used to ensure constant ionic strength in the sample mixtures.…”

“…Alternatively, the use of catalysis or biocatalysis can turn the process into a longer but more sustainable extraction in less corrosive aqueous solutions and at ambient temperature. 47,52 Experiments in the present work were designed to test the ability of MC particles to extract copper from chalcopyrite ore in relatively mild conditions without use of any additional chemicals (lixiviants). A 0.1 M KNO 3 aqueous solution was used to ensure constant ionic strength in the sample mixtures.…”