Effect of pH and Potential in Chemical Precipitation of Copper by Sodium Dithionite

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the effect of pH and potential in copper precipitation from nickel laterite leach solution. A synthetic solution was prepared to simulate the real conditions and sodium dithionite was used as reducing agent. The effect of pH was studied between pH 0.50 and 3.50. Sodium dithionite 1mol/L was added to decrease the potential. The stirring speed was 45rpm and reaction time was 45min. Results indicated that copper precipitation decreased when pH increases. Copper precipitation was selective in 240mV at pH 0.50–1.50. Co-precipitation was observed in experiments performed in pH above 2.00.