A Hydrometallurgical Process for Cu Recovery from Printed Circuit Boards

The current study presents an effort to develop a sustainable hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of copper from waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) be applied at local small medium industrial units. aims separate and recover filter dust produced during crushing PCBs using hammer mill in recycling facility. Due high plastic content (approximately 30% w/w), metal fraction was separated gravimetrically, material originated consisted mainly Cu (23.8%), Fe (17.8%), Sn (12.7%), Pb (6.3%), Zn (3.4%), Al (3.3%), Mn (1.6%), Ni (1.5%). Prior recovery, leached with HCl as pretreatment step. During this step, more than 80% iron, zinc, tin were out. resulting solid (37.6%) (10.7%), leading enrichment around 60% powder. leaching conducted two-step H2SO4 agent addition H2O2 oxidizing agent. experimental conditions had low energy requirements (no heating or agitation needed). reached 98%. Despite concentration other metals (Fe, Zn, Ni) pregnant solution too proceed electrowining. Therefore, organic solvent ACORGA M5640 selected extraction solution. two stages pH equilibrium 1.5, loaded phase stripped steps. strip liquor suitable electrowinning.