Chlorination of ZnFe2O4 by Molten MgCl2: Effect of Adding CaCl2

Natural Zn reserves might be exhausted in the following decades. Electric arc furnace (EAF) dust is an essential secondary resource. The recovery of from EAF a critical factor sustainable development industry and steelmaking industry. Efficient destruction ZnFe2O4 crystal structure separation Fe are key issues to recycle dust. Molten metal chlorides believed effective breaking ZnFe2O4. This work clarifies distinct reaction behavior between MgCl2 or CaCl2. Experiments show that although more powerful chlorinating agent, capability separating not as good Fast selective chlorination happens by reacting MgCl2–CaCl2 mixture. CaCl2 facilitates formation stable Fe-bearing phases, such MgFe2O4 Ca2Fe2O5, thereby inhibiting Fe. Moreover, it becomes promoting selectivity increasing temperature after adding MgCl2. When subjected using mixture (MgCl2–CaCl2–ZnFe2O4 molar ratio = 1.5:1.5:1) at 950 °C for 120 min, process results percentage over 90% Zn, with lower than 5%. These demonstrate prospect efficient molten