Performance-Based Selection of the Cathode Material for the Electrodeposition-Redox Replacement Process of Gold Recovery from Chloride Solutions

Abstract

Recently, an emerging electrodeposition-redox replacement (EDRR) method was demonstrated to provide exceptionally efficient gold recovery from cyanide-free hydrometallurgical solutions. However, the effect of electrode material and its corrosion resistance in this process was overlooked, even though the EDRR process is carried out in extremely corrosive, acidic chloride solution that also contains significant amounts of strong oxidants, i.e., cupric ions. In the current study, nickel alloy C-2000, stainless steels 316L and 654SMO, and grade 2 titanium were for the first time critically evaluated as potential cathode materials for EDRR. The particular emphasis was placed on better understanding of the effect of cathode substrate on the overall efficiency of the gold recovery process. The use of a multiple attribute decision-making method of material selection allowed reaching of a well-founded compromise between the corrosion properties of the electrodes and process efficiency of gold extraction. The 654SMO steel demonstrated outstanding performance among the examined materials, as it enabled gold recovery of 28.1 pct after 3000 EDRR cycles, while its corrosion rate (CR) was only 0.02 mm/year.