Abstract: Dissymmetric particles also called Janus particles of micron or submicron size and methods of synthesis of Janus particles by bipolar electrochemistry, based on substrates of isotropic or anisotropic shape. The particles include an electrically conductive substrate having at least a chemically and/or physically modified part by deposit of a layer of electrochemically depositable material, and a non-modified part. The particles are of isotropic shape, and the layer of electrochemically depositable material has a specific shape delimited by a precise contour.

Abstract: A method for maintenance of used permanent cathode plates, said used cathode plate having scratches, crud formations and oversize grain boundaries on a surface of the cathode plate. The method comprises removing of scratches and accumulated crud from the surface of the cathode plate. The method further comprises removing substantially completely the oversize grain boundaries from the surface, and thereafter regenerating the grain boundaries of the surface of the cathode plate to an average grain boundary width of 1 to 3 ?m and an average grain boundary depth less than 1 ?m.

Abstract: Copper or a copper alloy characterized in having an ?-ray emission of 0.001 cph/cm2 or less. Since recent semiconductor devices are produced to have higher density and higher capacity, there is greater risk of soft errors caused by the influence of ? rays emitted from materials positioned near semiconductor chips. In particular, there are strong demands for achieving higher purification of copper and copper alloys which are used near the semiconductor device, such as copper or copper alloy wiring lines, copper or copper alloy bonding wires, and soldering materials, and materials reduced in ?-ray emission are also demanded. Thus, the present invention elucidates the phenomenon in which ? rays are emitted from copper or copper alloys, and provides copper or copper alloy reduced in ?-ray emission which is adaptable to the demanded material, and a bonding wire in which such copper or copper alloy is used as its raw material.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for forming graphitic material from a carbon oxide feedstock in an electroplating chamber containing molten inorganic carbonate as electrolyte. Carbon dioxide flows into a reaction chamber containing one or more cathodes, one or more anodes, and a molten carbonate electrolyte. The carbon dioxide and/or carbonate reduces at the cathode to form graphitic material, which may be removed from the surface of the cathode through various mechanisms. The graphitic material is then separated out from the electrolyte.

Abstract: The electrolysis of cuprous chloride was carried out in the electrochemical cell. The particle size, current density, cathodic current efficiency, conversion of cuprous chloride and yield of copper formed depends strongly on current flow, heat transfer and mass transfer operation. The current flow, heat transfer and mass transfer are depends on surface area ratio of anode to cathode, distance between electrodes, concentration of HCl, applied voltage, flow rate of electrolyte, CuCl concentration and reaction temperature. The electrolysis of cuprous chloride as a part of Cu—Cl thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production is experimentally demonstrated in proof-of-concept work.

Abstract: A method of recovering copper from chalcopyrite concentrate by chemical leaching, using pyrite and silver. The catalytic properties of pyrite in the chalcopyrite leaching process are significantly enhanced by pretreating the pyrite with silver ions. Particulate pyrite is exposed to a solution containing silver ions to form silver-treated pyrite. Particulate chalcopyrite and the silver-treated pyrite are mixed in an acidic sulfate leach solution. The copper is leached from the concentrate in the leach solution in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas, under conditions whereby the pyrite is substantially unoxidized. The leached copper is recovered from the solution by conventional methods. The used silver-treated pyrite is recycled to the leaching process.

Abstract: A cathode assembly, a system including the cathode assembly, and method of using the assembly and system are disclosed. The cathode assembly includes a conductive element and a barrier element proximate the conductive element. The assembly, system and method provide for improved metal powder formation. The system may be stationary or portable.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a zinc electrowinning anode capable of inhibiting manganese compound deposition on the anode and a cobalt electrowinning anode capable of inhibiting cobalt oxyhydroxide deposition on the anode. The zinc electrowinning anode according to the present invention is a zinc electrowinning anode having an amorphous iridium oxide-containing catalytic layer formed on a conductive substrate, and the zinc electrowinning method according to the present invention is an electrowinning method using that electrowinning anode. Also, the cobalt electrowinning anode according to the present invention is an electrowinning anode having an amorphous iridium oxide or ruthenium oxide-containing catalytic layer formed on a conductive substrate, and the cobalt electrowinning method according to the present invention is an electrowinning method using that electrowinning anode.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed for electrowinning metal from a fluid stream. A representative apparatus comprises at least one spouted bed reactor wherein each said reactor includes an anolyte chamber comprising an anode and configured for containing an anolyte, a catholyte chamber comprising a current collector and configured for containing a particulate cathode bed and a flowing stream of an electrically conductive metal-containing fluid, and a membrane separating said anolyte chamber and said catholyte chamber, an inlet for an electrically conductive metal-containing fluid stream; and a particle bed churning device configured for spouting particle bed particles in the catholyte chamber independently of the flow of said metal-containing fluid stream. In operation, reduced heavy metals or their oxides are recovered from the cathode particles.

Abstract: There is provided a substantially permanent stainless steel cathode plate suitable for use in electrorefining of metal cathodes, the cathode being composed of a low-nickel duplex steel or a lower grade “304” steel, wherein operational adherence of an electrodeposition thereon is enabled by altering various qualities of the cathode surface. There is also provided a method of producing the above duplex or Grade 304 cathode plates, such that the desired operational adherence of the deposit upon the plate is not so strong as to prevent the deposit being removed during subsequent handling.

Abstract: A metal-containing material is introduced in the container with an anode inserted therein, the container is introduced in a tank filled with an electrolyte, with a cathode opposed to it, and direct current is passed through ((+) anode and (?) cathode) to recover the desired metal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cathode plate (1) that is used in the electrolytic cleaning and recovery of metals, the cathode plate being at least partly manufactured of stainless steel and the surface of the cathode plate being treated in at least one stage, whereby the cathode plate is formed by cutting it from a solid plate-like material (2), whereby, essentially before cutting (4) the cathode plate to shape, at least part of the surface constituting the cathode plate is subjected to a mechanical treatment (3) to improve the adhesion properties of the surface. The invention also relates to the cathode plate.

Abstract: A cathode plate and method for electro-refining or electro-winning of metal. The cathode includes a cathode blade and hanger bar. A quantity of electrically conductive material is wrapped around the hanger bar and along the cathode blade to a position, in use, proximate the level of electrolyte in the electrolytic bath. The provision of a deeper and preferably thicker coating of electrically conductive material, as compared with conventional cathode plates, reduces power consumption in the electrolytic circuit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for producing a metal powder product using conventional electrowinning chemistry (i.e., oxygen evolution at an anode) in a flow-through electrowinning cell. The present invention enables the production of high quality metal powders, including copper powder, from metal-containing solutions using conventional electrowinning processes and/or direct electrowinning.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and/or other metal values from a metal-bearing ore, concentrate, or other metal-bearing material using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning. More particularly, the present invention relates to a substantially acid-autogenous process for recovering copper from chalcopyrite-containing ore using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning in combination with a leaching, solvent/solution extraction and electrowinning operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for electrowinning metals, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for copper electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction. In general, the use of a flow-through anode—coupled with an effective electrolyte circulation system—enables the efficient and cost-effective operation of a copper electrowinning system employing the ferrous/ferric anode reaction at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than about 26 Amps per square foot (about 280 A/m2), and reduces acid mist generation. Furthermore, the use of such a system permits the use of low ferrous iron concentrations and optimized electrolyte flow rates as compared to prior art systems while producing high quality, commercially saleable product (i.e., LME Grade A copper cathode or equivalent), which is advantageous.

Abstract: A lead calcium tin alloy to which cobalt has been added is described. The alloy is useful in the formation of anodes to be used in electrowinning cells. Electrowinning cells containing the cobalt alloys are particularly suited for electrowinning metals, such as copper, from sulfuric acid electrolytes. The cobalt-containing anodes improve the efficiency of oxygen evolution at the anode during electrowinning and reduce corrosion of the anode.

Abstract: A method for the production of metallic copper in a substantially dendrite-free crystalline form is described, comprising an electrowinning from a cuprous and/or cupric chloride solution carried out in a spouted bed cell comprising a cathode consisting of a descending bed of metallic beads.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for producing a metal powder product using either conventional electrowinning or alternative anode reaction chemistries in a flow-through electrowinning cell. A new design for a flow-through electrowinning cell that employs both flow-through anodes and flow-through cathodes is described. The present invention enables the production of high quality metal powders, including copper powder, from metal-containing solutions using conventional electrowinning processes, direct electrowinning, or alternative anode reaction chemistry.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method for electrowinning copper powder, and more particularly to a method for electrowinning copper powder from a copper-containing solution using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a process for producing copper powder by electrowinning employs alternative anode reaction technology, namely, the ferrous/ferric anode reaction, and enables the efficient and cost-effective production of copper powder at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than 50 A/ft2. A copper powder electrowinning process in accordance with the present invention also reduces or eliminates acid mist generation that is characteristic of electrowinning operations utilizing conventional electrowinning chemistry (e.g., oxygen evolution at the anode), which is advantageous.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and/or other metal values from a metal-bearing ore, concentrate, or other metal-bearing material using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning. More particularly, the present invention relates to a substantially acid-autogenous process for recovering copper from chalcopyrite-containing ore using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning in combination with a leaching, solvent/solution extraction and electrowinning operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for producing a metal powder product using either conventional electrowinning or alternative anode reaction chemistries in a flow-through electrowinning cell. The present invention enables the production of high quality metal powders, including copper powder, from metal-containing solutions using conventional electrowinning processes, direct electrowinning, or alternative anode reaction chemistries.

Abstract: In a method for producing dense sheet-form electrolytic copper by electrowinning, the electrolyte contains a polyethylene glycol additive as a smoothening agent. In the prior art method, stirring is necessary. In an electrowinning method without stirring, the current concentrates on the edge portion of cathode 2. This current concentration is mitigated by means of conducting the electrolyzing current through a window 6b of a shielding plate 6 located in the vicinity of a cathode 2.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for producing a metal powder product using conventional electrowinning chemistry (i.e., oxygen evolution at an anode) in a flow-through electrowinning cell. The present invention enables the production of high quality metal powders, including copper powder, from metal-containing solutions using conventional electrowinning processes and/or direct electrowinning.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for electrowinning metals, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for copper electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction and a flow-through anode, such as, for example, a dimensionally stable carbon, carbon composite, metal-graphite, or stainless steel anode. In general, the use of a flow-through anode—coupled with an effective electrolyte circulation system—enables the efficient and cost-effective operation of a copper electrowinning system employing the ferrous/ferric anode reaction at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than about 26 Amps per square foot (about 280 A/m2), and reduces acid mist generation. Furthermore, the use of such a system permits the use of low ferrous iron concentrations and optimized electrolyte flow rates as compared to prior art systems while producing high quality, commercially saleable product (i.e.

Abstract: A cathode plate and method for electro-refining or electro-winning of metal. The cathode includes a cathode blade and hanger bar. A quantity of electrically conductive material is wrapped around the hanger bar and along the cathode blade to a position, in use, proximate the level of electrolyte in the electrolytic bath. The provision of a deeper and preferably thicker coating of electrically conductive material, as compared with conventional cathode plates, reduces power consumption in the electrolytic circuit.

Abstract: A method of producing high purity electrolytic copper through halide-bath electrowinning is provided. The method includes the steps of: growing copper in dendritic form to be deposited on a cathode; and recovering growth ends of 3.0 mm or shorter from the dendrites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edge insulation member for an electrode plate used for electrolytic refinement of metal, and to a fixing method for it. On a tip portion 22A of a main body 22, a fitting groove 23 and a jaw portion 24 for tightly fitting an electrode plate 1 are formed to extend along the lengthwise direction of the main body 22. On a base end portion of the main body 22, an engagement notch 25 for fitting a support rod 26 is formed to extend along the lengthwise direction of the main body 22. A plurality of pin insertion holes 27 are formed on the side surface of the jaw portion 24. Fitting jigs made up from a pin 30 and a stopper 40 is removably fitted in this pin insertion hole 27. The support rod 26 is removably fitted in the engagement notch 25.

Abstract: The method for electrolytically refining copper makes use of crude copper as an anode and is characterized in that the temperature of the electrolyte in an electrolytic cell is maintained at a level of not less than 55° C.; that the electrolyte is continuously introduced into the electrolytic cell from the top of the cell, continuously discharged from the bottom of the cell along with slime, the slime is removed from the electrolyte discharged from the electrolytic cell and the electrolyte free of any slime is recirculated in the cell; and that the electrolyte is passed through the space between the electrodes at an average electrolyte velocity sufficient for allowing the electrolyte to flow on the whole surface of the cathode downward or in the direction opposite to that of the upward stream of the electrolyte generated on the cathode surface when the electrolysis is initiated while the electrolyte is in the stationary state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edge insulation member for an electrode plate used for electrolytic refinement of metal, and to a fixing method for it. On a tip portion 22A of a main body 22, a fitting groove 23 and a jaw portion 24 for tightly fitting an electrode plate 1 are formed to extend along the lengthwise direction of the main body 22. On a base end portion of the main body 22, an engagement notch 25 for fitting a support rod 26 is formed to extend along the lengthwise direction of the main body 22. A plurality of pin insertion holes 27 are formed on the side surface of the jaw portion 24. Fitting jigs made up from a pin 30 and a stopper 40 is removably fitted in this pin insertion hole 27. The support rod 26 is removably fitted in the engagement notch 25.

Abstract: An electrolytic cathode consists of a solid copper hanger bar and a stainless-steel mother plate attached to a receiving groove in the underside of the hanger bar. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the entire length of connection is welded, thereby establishing a large boundary surface for good electrical conductance. The solid hanger bar further includes a cladding of stainless steel wrapped over the copper bar and the upper portion of the mother plate, leaving only the ends of the copper bar exposed for electrical connection with conventional bus-bars. The lower edges of the cover are attached to the mother plate by a steel-to-steel weld that produces a strong and durable connection. The lateral edges of the cover are also connected to the copper bar by a conventional copper weld that completely seals the cover over the copper bar, thereby preventing contamination from the electrolytic solution. The cover is then welded to the mother plate and sealed around the copper bar.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for cooper electrowinning and a modified lead electrode for use in such method. The modified electrode is suitable for use as an oxygen anode in low current density, oxygen-evolving applications.

Abstract: A coated composite electrode for supporting an anodic electrochemical reaction includes a substrate composed of an electrically conductive metal and a mixture composed of lead and manganese oxides of between about 70 and 90 weight percent and of binders and extenders together being of between about 10 and 30 weight percent. The mixture is in the form of a coating on the substrate which constitutes a site of electrochemical oxidation. The coating is pressed above about 1500 psi pressure and at a temperature within the range of about 25 to 230 degrees C. The composite electrode provides corrosion inhibition for the lead alloy and improved current efficiency in systems with iron, such as copper electrowinning.

Abstract: Wrought copper cathode starting sheets for use in the electrolytic production of copper made preferably by a continuous casting and rolling process are provided. Refined copper is melted in a shaft furnace and continuously cast preferably using a twin belt horizontal caster and straight line rolled to reduce the thickness of the casting by about 25% to 98% to produce a sheet having a thickness up to about 0.123 inch. The continuous sheet is cut after the rolling process from uncoiled sheet into discrete rectangular shapes suitable for use as a starting sheet, as a starting sheet blank or other metal sheet uses such as cladding and roofing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure of an electric contact of an electrolytic cell, wherein an elongated conductive member is provided as a bus bar 10 on a wall of an electrolytic cell for feeding current to anodes 1 and cathodes 2 arranged in the electrolytic cell; the conductive member 10 forms a convex portion 12 in parallel with the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of an elongated plate member 11 forming a base; and at least the upper surface of the convex portion 12 is totally or partially gold plated 13 in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method to prevent corrosion of a stainless steel cathode in a copper electrowinning system uses compounds added to the electrowinning solution which reduce the level of free chlorine. Examples of such compounds are thiourea, alkyl sulphonate surfactants and protein glues.

Abstract: A method for extracting and reclaiming metals from scrap CIS photovoltaic cells and associated photovoltaic manufacturing waste by leaching the waste with dilute nitric acid, skimming any plastic material from the top of the leaching solution, separating glass substrate from the leachate, electrolyzing the leachate to plate a copper and selenium metal mixture onto a first cathode, replacing the cathode with a second cathode, re-electrolyzing the leachate to plate cadmium onto the second cathode, separating the copper from selenium, and evaporating the depleted leachate to yield a zinc and indium containing solid.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising bipolar electrodes is employed for electrochemical deposition of copper, zinc, lead, nickel or cobalt. An interior space is provided between the cathode side and the anode side of a bipolar electrode. The electrolyte can flow substantially without an obstruction through the interelectrode space between adjacent electrodes. The current densities in the interelectrode space amount to 800 to 8000 A/m.sup.2. Gas is evolved on the anode side of the bipolar electrodes and causes liquid to flow along the anode side. In the middle of the height of the anode side that liquid flow has a vertical component having a velocity of 5 to 100 cm/second. Electrolyte solution flows from the upper edge portion of the anode side to a return flow space, in which the solution flows downwardly. From the return flow space the solution is returned to the lower portion of the interelectrode space.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided for removal of metals such as copper, lead, silver, tellurium, platinum, palladium or nickel from dilute solutions of the metal. The cell comprises a porous tubular support (18) which is provided with a cathode comprising a porous carbon fiber material (19), a current feeder (15) for the cathode, a tubular anode (12) spaced from said cathode, a current feeder (16) for the anode, the anode and the cathode being enclosed by a non-porous outer casing (11). In use the dilute solution from which the metal is to be removed is introduced into the cell through an inlet (13) and flows through the porous carbon fiber cathode to an outlet (14). The cell is useful for removing harmful metals from wastes so that they are environmentally acceptable for disposal and for recovery of valuable metals.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for making copper metal powder from copper-bearing material, comprising: (A) contacting said copper-beating material with an effective amount of at least one aqueous leaching solution to dissolve copper ions in said leaching solution and form a copper-rich aqueous leaching solution; (B) contacting said copper-rich aqueous leaching solution with an effective amount of at least one water-insoluble extractant to transfer copper ions from said copper-rich aqueous leaching solution to said extractant to form a copper-rich extractant and a copper-depleted aqueous leaching solution, said extractant comprising (i) at least one oxime characterized by a hydrocarbon linkage with at least one --OH group and at least one .dbd.

Abstract: A process for producing one or more metals from a mineral feedstock (12) is defined. The mineral is fed to a leaching apparatus (10) wherein it is contacted with electrolyte (14). The leaching apparatus has zones of decreasing oxidation potential (17, 18, 19, 20) respectively. A stream of electrolyte (14A) is removed from zone (20) and is treated to remove impurities and unwanted metals in treatment unit (25A), prior to metal recovery by electrolysis. The electrolyte after electrolysis is then returned to the leaching unit (10). A second electrolyte stream (14B) may be removed from zone (19) for recovery of additional metals. The electrolyte (14B) is treated to remove impurities and any unwanted metals in treatment unit (25B), prior to metal recovery by electrolysis. The electrolyte after electrolysis is returned to leaching unit (10). The process enables the leaching of difficult to leach minerals, including gold, and can produce one or more metals of high purity.