Application of rare-earth element Y in refining impure copper

The effects of rare-earth element Y in refining impure copper were investigated in this paper. The composition, microstructures, and corrosion resistance properties of impure copper before and after refinement with Y were investigated using direct-reading spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and potentiodynamic polariza- tion measurements. The results show that the concentrations of impurities S, As, Sb, Bi, A1, Cd, and Se are remarkably decreased. Adding an appropriate amount of Y refines the microstructure and enhances the corrosion resistance properties of impure copper in HC1 solution via a purification effect. The formation enthalpies of compounds formed between Y and various impurity elements were calculated on the basis of Miedema＇s theory. The thermodynamic mechanisms of the refinement of impure copper by Y were also discussed.

Adsorption behavior of Sb(Ⅲ) in single and binary Sb(Ⅲ)-Fe(Ⅱ) systems on cationic ion exchange resin: Adsorption equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic aspects

The present study dealt with the mechanism of competitive adsorption of Sb(Ⅲ)and Fe(Ⅱ)ions from a copper-containing aqueous solution on Purolite S957,a commercially available cationic ion-exchange adsorbent.Experiments were conducted using aqueous copper sulfate solutions containing either single or conjoint ions,using both sedentary and batch adsorption techniques to ascertain the sensitivity of the adsorption process to variation in p H,mass of resin,contact time,and temperature as well as establishing the optimal range of variables for maximum ion removal.The data from single ion adsorption tests were fitted by non-linear regression techniques to Henry,Langmuir,Freundlich,Temkin,and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models.Freundlich isotherm for Sb(Ⅲ)and Freundlich and Henry models for Fe(Ⅱ)solutions best express the adsorption equilibrium data;while for binary ion electrolytes,the extended Freundlich model fitted the data satisfactorily.The kinetic model adequately describing adsorption was shown to be the pseudo-first-order,underscoring the dominant role of physical adsorption playing in the process.Thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption process reveal differences in the Sb(Ⅲ)adsorption mechanism from single ion and Sb(Ⅲ)-Fe(Ⅱ)containing electrolytes.The adsorption of Sb(Ⅲ)alone is endothermic,whereas the process becomes exothermic in the Sb(Ⅲ)-Fe(Ⅱ)system.

Identification and assessment of environmental burdens of Chinese copper production from a life cycle perspective

The environmental burdens of Chinese copper production have been identified and quantified in the context of typical technologies, materials supplies and environmental emissions by a life cycle approach. Primary and secondary copper production using copper ores and scraps, respectively, were analyzed in detail. The flash and bath smelting approaches and the recycling of copper scraps were selected as representative copper production processes. A quantitative analysis was also conducted to assess the influence of material transport distance in copper production. Life cycle assessment （LCA） results showed that resources depletion and human health contribute significantly to environmental burdens in Chinese copper production. In addition, the secondary copper production has dramatically lower environmental burdens than the primary production. There is no obvious distinction in overall environmental burdens in primary copper production by flash or bath smelting approach. However, resources depletion is lower and the damage to human health is higher for flash smelting approach. Ecosystem quality damage is slight for both approaches. Environ- mental burdens from the mining stage contribute most in all life cycle stages in primary copper production. In secondary copper production, the electrolytic refining stage dominates. Based on the life cycle assessment results, some suggestions for improving environmental performance were proposed to meet the sustainable development of Chinese copper industry.