Influence of Electrolyte Impurities from E-Waste Electrorefining on Copper Extraction Recovery

In order to reflect possible issues in future sole e-waste processing, an electrolyte of complex chemical composition reflecting system processing was obtained by following a specially designed pyro-electrometallurgical method. The non-standard further used for the purpose comprehensive metal interference evaluation on copper solvent extraction (SX) process. Optimization process included variation several parameters, allowing determination effect most abundant and potentially influential impurities (Ni, Sn, Fe, Zn) 14 other trace elements. Moreover, comparing three commercial extractants different active chelating groups, it determined that branched aldoxime reagent is favorable Cu from chemically system, as can be expected recycling. results this study showed that, under optimal conditions 20 vol.% extractant concentration, feed pH 1.5, O/A ratio 3, 10-min phase contact time, 88.1% one stage achieved. Co-extraction Zn, Ni, Sn 8%, while Pb elements were negligible. Optimal (H2SO4 180 g/L, = 2, time 5 min) enabled 95.3% stripping 6% impurities. addition, impurity monitoring distribution methodology better understanding design more efficient valorization metals e-waste.