A review on various aspects of jarosite and its utilization potentials

Abstract

Jarosite is an effective scavenger for metals by the chemical formula AFe3(SO4)2(OH)6. In the present article, a comprehensive literature review is performed on the formation, decomposition, and utilization of jarosite. Based on reviewed studies, biological jarosite seeds can shorten the induction period and reduce the temperature limit in the jarosite precipitation. Also, the precipitation process of jarosite is more complete with biological jarosite seeds. The crystallization parameters such as Fe2(SO4)3 concentration, agitation speed, pH and temperature have significantly affected on the morphology and the particles size of jarosite. Decomposition of jarosite is carried out using two different methods thermal and hydrothermal. Jarosite seed is a potential resource, which has to be recycled in a technically feasible and environmentally friendly manner. Besides, it is observed that jarosites have several advantages such as control iron in hydrometallurgy, zinc industry, arsenic removal and other impurities, pigment, nanoparticles, filling materials, adsorption materials, acidic reagent, and catalytic materials.