Optimizing Leaching Parameters for Copper Extraction from Chalcopyrite using [Bmim][HSO4] Ionic Liquid

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Document Type : Research Article

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University of Tehran

Abstract

Today, there has been a significant emphasis on developing sustainable and environmentally friendly processes in various industries, including hydrometallurgy. This study deals with the leaching of chalcopyrite concentrate using 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([Bmim][HSO4]) ionic liquid. In order to investigate the effects of different parameters on the chalcopyrite leaching, such as concentration of [Bmim][HSO4] and H2O2, solid-to-liquid ratio, stirring speed, and temperature, and their interactions, design expert software was used. Employing the central composite design (CCD) layout of the response surface method (RSM) matrix, 32 experiments were designed and executed. The results showed that the temperature, oxidizing agent concentration, and ionic liquid concentration, as well as the interaction between the oxidizing agent concentration with the ionic liquid concentration and temperature, have the most significant effect on the dissolution of chalcopyrite. Also, the highest amount of copper extraction (90.32%) was obtained at 40°C using 40% [Bmim][HSO4], 30% H2O2, solid-to-liquid ratio of 10 g.L-1, and stirring speed of 300 rpm. The investigation of kinetic studies using the shrinking core model showed that the chalcopyrite leaching process using BmimHSO4 ionic liquid follows the chemical reaction, and in this condition, the activation energy is 49.61 kJ/mol. Finally, evaluation of surface morphology and characteristics of leaching residue using XRD and SEM/EDX analyses revealed that most of the CuFeS2 has been dissolved and elemental sulfur is the major solid product that exists in the chalcopyrite leaching residue.

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Iranian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 March 2024

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