Copper electrowinning based on reactive electrodialysis

Abstract

This paper shows an alternative to the classic electrowinning copper process using a cell based on reactive electrodialysis, which consists of two compartments separated by an anionic membrane, one of which contains the copper sulphate catholyte, where the cathode is located, and the other compartment contains the ferrous sulfate anolyte, where the anode is located. In this type of cell the anodic reaction is the oxidation of iron (Fe2+ to Fe 3+), which consumes less energy than the classic water oxidation. Moreover, this new anodic reaction does not produce acid mist.