Abstract: This invention is directed to a metal-air electrochemical power sources, specifically zinc-air batteries and fuel cells, and methods for removing solid or semi-solid spent fuel using a thickener-liquefier pair.

Abstract: A method of preparing a metal containing inorganic ion exchanger in an electrochemical cell is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: (a) adding the inorganic ion exchanger to the electrochemical cell, wherein the electrochemical cell comprises a conductive electrolyte solution having a liquid phase and a solid phase; (b) depositing metal ions electrochemically into the liquid phase; (c) allowing the metal ions to deposit onto the inorganic ion exchanger during an electrochemical reaction to obtain a metal containing inorganic ion exchanger; (d) collecting the solid phase comprising the metal containing inorganic ion exchanger obtained in step (c); (e) removing remaining metal ions from the liquid phase; and (f) obtaining a substantially metal free liquid phase.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the continuous manufacture of nanop?rticles, microparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s) are disclosed. The nanoparticles (and/or micron-sized particles) comprise a variety of possible compositions, sizes and shapes. The particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are caused to be present (e. g., created) in a liquid (e.g., water) by utilizing at least one adjustable plasma (e.g., created by at least one AC and/or DC power source), which plasma communicates with at least a portion of a surface of the liquid. The continuous process causes at least one liquid to flow into, through and out of at least one trough member, such liquid being processed, conditioned and/or effected in said trough member(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for electrowinning of zinc from sulfate solutions. The electrolyzer for zinc extraction according to the invention includes a bath-reactor which is equipped with power supply buses, a pipeline of two pipes for supplying the electrolyte, cathodes, anodes, plastic strips along the height of the anodes, an overflow for electrolyte discharge by gravity. The cathodes have an area of 3.5-10 m2. The height of the electrolyzer is at least two times greater than its width, and the length of the electrolyzer depends on the number of the electrodes. The bottom of the electrolyzer is divided by a groove along the length of the bath.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact bar assembly for use in a multi-cell electrolytic system for recovery of metal, to a system including the contact bar assembly, and to a method of using the assembly and system. The contact bar assembly includes a base cap board, a primary bar having a plurality of primary bar structures formed thereon, an auxiliary bar having a plurality of auxiliary bar structures formed thereon, and a top cap board, wherein the base cap board includes slots to receive the primary bar and the auxiliary bar, and wherein the top cap board includes a plurality of openings to receive the plurality of primary bar structures and the plurality of auxiliary bar structures. A system includes the contact bar assembly, an anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and a tank.

Abstract: A mobile energy carrier with which energy in the form of materials from zones distributed widely throughout the world, for example with a large amount of solar energy, wind energy or other CO2-neutral energy, for example the equator, can be transported to zones where there is a high energy requirement, for example Europe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the selective recovery of manganese and zinc from geothermal brines that includes the steps of removing silica and iron from the brine, oxidizing the manganese and zinc to form precipitates thereof, recovering the manganese and zinc precipitates, solubilizing the manganese and zinc precipitates, purifying the manganese and zinc, and forming a manganese precipitate, and recovering the zinc by electrochemical means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the selective recovery of manganese and zinc from geothermal brines that includes the steps of removing silica and iron from the brine, oxidizing the manganese and zinc to form precipitates thereof, recovering the manganese and zinc precipitates, solubilizing the manganese and zinc precipitates, purifying the manganese and zinc, and forming a manganese precipitate, and recovering the zinc by electrochemical means.

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: In a method for producing metal powder, the first part of an acid-containing starting solution is fed on the anode side of an electrolytic cell as anolyte, to contact the anode and supply material containing yield metal, and a second part of the acid-containing starting solution, which also contains intermediary metal, is fed on the cathode side of the electrolytic cell, to contact the cathode as catholyte. Yield metal is oxidized and dissolved in the anolyte by leading electric current in the anode. The yield metal contained in the second part of the starting solution is reduced on the cathode side. Anolyte solution and catholyte solution are fed to a precipitating chamber for mixing the dissolved, oxidized yield metal and the second part of the starting solution containing reduced intermediary metal.

Abstract: Provided are a method of recovering valuable metals from IZO scrap, wherein indium and zinc are recovered as hydroxides by using an IZO scrap as both an anode and a cathode, and performing electrolysis while periodically reversing polarity; and a method of recovering valuable metals from IZO scrap, wherein the hydroxides of indium and zinc obtained by the electrolysis are roasted and indium and zinc are recovered as oxides. Specifically, provided is a method which enables the efficient recovery of indium and zinc from IZO scrap such as a spent indium-zinc oxide (IZO) sputtering target and IZO mill ends arising during the manufacture of such a sputtering target.

Abstract: Provided are a method of recovering valuable metals from IZO scrap, wherein valuable metals are recovered as hydroxides of indium and zinc by using an insoluble electrode as an anode or a cathode and an IZO scrap as the other cathode or anode as the opposite electrode, and performing electrolysis while periodically reversing polarity; and a method of recovering valuable metals from IZO scrap, wherein the hydroxides of indium and zinc obtained by the electrolysis are roasted and valuable metals are recovered as oxides of indium and zinc. Specifically, provided is a method which enables the efficient recovery of indium and zinc from IZO scrap such as a spent indium-zinc oxide (IZO) sputtering target and IZO mill ends arising during the manufacture of such a sputtering target.

Abstract: Provided is a method of recovering valuable metals from IZO scrap in which valuable metals are recovered as indium and zinc metals or suboxides by performing electrolysis using an insoluble electrode as an anode and an IZO scrap as a cathode. Specifically, this method enables the efficient recovery of indium and zinc from IZO scrap such as an indium-zinc oxide (IZO) sputtering target or IZO mill ends that arise during the manufacture of such a sputtering target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing an electric current taker made from silver and having a highly electroconductive contact surface into an aluminium support bar to be used in electrolysis.

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: This invention relates generally to novel methods and novel devices for the continuous manufacture of nanoparticles, microparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s) (e.g., colloids). The nanoparticles (and/or micron-sized particles) comprise a variety of possible compositions, sizes and shapes. The particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are caused to be present (e.g., created and/or the liquid is predisposed to their presence (e.g., conditioned)) in a liquid (e.g., water) by, for example, preferably utilizing at least one adjustable plasma (e.g., created by at least one AC and/or DC power source), which plasma communicates with at least a portion of a surface of the liquid. At least one subsequent and/or substantially simultaneous adjustable electrochemical processing technique is also preferred. Multiple adjustable plasmas and/or adjustable electrochemical processing techniques are preferred. Processing enhancers can be utilized alone or with a plasma. Semicontinuous and batch processes can also be utilized.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell contact bar having a first pole and a pair of second poles. The second poles are opposite in charge to the first pole and each of the pair of second poles are adjacent to and parallel to the first pole. In various embodiments, the contact bar may include an electrode holder capable of holding at least one electrode.

Abstract: Provided are a method of recovering valuable metals from IZO scrap, wherein valuable metals are recovered as hydroxides of indium and zinc by using an insoluble electrode as an anode or a cathode and an IZO scrap as the other cathode or anode as the opposite electrode, and performing electrolysis while periodically reversing polarity; and a method of recovering valuable metals from IZO scrap, wherein the hydroxides of indium and zinc obtained by the electrolysis are roasted and valuable metals are recovered as oxides of indium and zinc. Specifically, provided is a method which enables the efficient recovery of indium and zinc from IZO scrap such as a spent indium-zinc oxide (IZO) sputtering target and IZO mill ends arising during the manufacture of such a sputtering target.

Abstract: A method of winning a metal from its oxide ore by heating the ore in a partial vacuum or under an inert atmosphere in the presence of a reductant. The resulting product may be further reduced electrochemically to produce a purer metal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for removing thallium from a zinc-containing solution. In particular, the method relates to the purification with metallic zinc powder of a solution going to the electrolytic production of zinc. In this method, thallium is removed by means of a lead compound in the solution purification stage, either during the final purification stage or in a purification stage in which cadmium is precipitated.

Abstract: A cell (100) for metal electrowinning from metal ion solutions is described, wherein the cathode (1) consists of a falling bed of growing beads; the beads, withdrawn from the lower part of the bed, are recycled to the top section of the cathodic compartment by means of an external vertical duct (3).

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 invention relates to a method for achieving a good contact surface on an aluminium electrode support bar used in electrolysis. In the method the support bar is fabricated as a continuous bar and a highly electroconductive layer is formed on its end. The highly electroconductive layer forms a metallic bond with the support bar and can be achieved for example with thermal spray coating. The invention also relates to an electrode support bar, the end of which is coated with a highly electroconductive material.

Abstract: It is herein described an electrowinning cell with a spouted bed electrode of growing metallic beads, separated by a semi-permeable diaphragm and suitable for being assembled in a stack in a modular arrangement.

Abstract: A system for producing metal particles using a discrete particle electrolyzer cathode, a discrete particle electrolyzer cathode, and methods for manufacturing the cathode. The cathode has a plurality of active zones on a surface thereof at least partially immersed in a reaction solution. The active zones are spaced from one another by between about 0.1 mm and about 10 mm, and each has a surface area no less than about 0.02 square mm. The cathode is spaced from an anode also at least partially immersed in the reaction solution. A voltage potential is applied between the anode and cathode. Metal particles form on the active zones of the cathode. The particles may be dislodged from the cathode after they have achieved a desired size. The geometry and composition of the active zones are specified to promote the growth of high quality particles suitable for use in metal/air fuel cells. Cathodes may be formed from bundled wire, machined metal, chemical etching, or chemical vapor deposition techniques.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of obtaining a good current contact on the support bar of a cathode used in electrolysis. In this method a highly electroconductive layer is formed on the contact piece on the end of the support bar of the cathode, especially at the point that comes into contact with the electrolysis cell busbar. The electroconductive layer forms a metallic bond with the contact piece of the support bar. The disclosure also relates to the cathode support bar, wherein a highly electroconductive layer is formed to the contact piece on the end of said bar, in particular the area that touches the electrolysis cell busbar.

Abstract: A method of producing metal particles through electrolysis. A cathode having a plurality of active zones on a surface thereof is at least partially immersed in a reaction solution. The cathode is spaced from an anode also at least partially immersed in the reaction solution. A voltage potential is applied between the anode and cathode. Metal particles form on the active zones of the cathode. In order to promote the formation of good quality particles, a turbulent flow of the solution is maintained past one or more the active zones, and the current density in the active zones is maintained greater than about 5 kA/m2. The particles may be dislodged from the cathode after they have achieved a desired size.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a concentration range of an electroreducible metal species undergoing electrolysis within a predetermined concentration range comprises a first container containing a body of an electrolyte solution in which a metal is partially dissolved, a second container in fluid communication with the first container, the second container containing a second body of the solution, and a means for exchanging solution between the containers. The second container is configured with a means for electrolyzing, and a means for sensing the concentration of, the dissolved metal in the second body. During electrolysis, if the sensed concentration is within a predetermined range, the second body is circulated through the electrolyzing means; if the sensed concentration is outside or nearly outside the range, the solution is exchanged to maintain the concentration within the range.

Abstract: Process for the production of ZnCl2 from a Zn bearing primary and/or secondary material comprising the steps of reacting the Zn bearing material with a chlorinating agent such as Cl2 to convert metals into chlorides and vaporising the volatile components of the reaction product at a temperature between the melting point of said reaction product and the boiling point of ZnCl2, thereby recovering a Zn rich chlorinated melt, and thereafter distilling ZnCl2 from this Zn rich chlorinated melt, thereby recovering purified ZnCl2 and a Zn-depleted chlorinated melt.

Abstract: A method of producing a higher purity metal comprising the step of electrolyzing a coarse metal material by a primary electrolysis to obtain a primary electrodeposited metal, the step of electrolyzing the material with the primary electrodeposited metal obtained in the primary electrolysis step used as an anode to obtain a higher purity electrolyte for secondary electrolysis, and the step of further performing secondary electrolysis by employing higher purity electrolytic solution than said electrolytic solution with said primary electrodeposited metal as an anode, whereby providing an electro-refining method that effectively uses electrodes and an electrolyte produced in a plurality of electro-refining steps, reuses the flow of an electrolyte in the system, reduces organic matter-caused oxygen content, and can effectively produce a high purity metal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low corrosion electrochemical process for preparing zinc metal which comprises electrochemically reducing an aqueous basic solution or slurry of zinc oxide or any other zinc compound that reacts with an aqueous base to produce zinc oxide, wherein the electrochemical process is carried out in an undivided electrochemical cell, and wherein air or nitrogen is bubbled in through the solution or slurry of zinc oxide or said other zinc compound during said electrochemical process.

Abstract: The electrolyte is supplied from a reservoir through at least one supply line to an electrolysis area including anodes and cathodes and at least one electric d.c. voltage source, and used electrolyte is at least partly recirculated from the electrolysis area back to the reservoir through at least one discharge line. Between a first contact point in the electrolyte of the supply line and a second contact point in the electrolyte of the discharge line there is a bridge line containing electrolyte, where the ohmic resistance R1 of the electrolyte in the bridge line between the first and the second contact point is not more than 10% of the ohmic resistance R2 which exists between the first and the second contact point in the electrolyte flowing through the reservoir. The amount of electrolyte flowing through the bridge line per unit time is not more than 5% of the amount of electrolyte flowing in the supply line in the vicinity of the first contact point.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for protecting electrowinning anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings in a bank of electrolytic cells from being damaged by reverse currents. In the first embodiment, one or more auxiliary power sources are provided that, when triggered by one or more predetermined conditions being met, keep the bank of electrolytic cells in an electrical state that is relatively harmless to the anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings. In a second embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of maintaining the polarization of anodes in an electrowinning cell positive of the cathodes (i.e. in a potential region where the anode coating is not susceptible to significant damage). In a final embodiment, the invention is directed to various methods for the installation of replacement anodes and maintenance of electrowinning cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a saturated solution of zinc oxide in an aqueous sodium or potassium hydroxide solution wherein the concentrations of the zinc oxide and the sodium hydroxide in said solution are as set forth in FIG. 1, and the concentrations of the zinc oxide and potassium hydroxide are as set forth in FIG. 2.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell (10) comprises a plurality of cathodes (12) interspersed among a plurality of anodes (16). The plurality of cathodes and plurality of anodes form a plurality of electrodes spaced and suspended in parallel fashion in an electrolyte solution (35). The electrolytic cell further comprises a plurality of scrapers (14). Each scraper of the plurality of scrapers is placed between each of the plurality of electrodes in parallel fashion and the scraper moves a minimal distance relative to the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A procedure for the generation of organosulfonic acids from solutions of corresponding metal organosulfonate compounds by electrowinning, electrolytically driven hydrolysis or chemically driven hydrolysis is described. Appropriate organosulfonate compounds include the water soluble salts of alkanesulfonic and aromatic sulfonic acids which incorporate metals from Group VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB or VA of the periodic table. The electrowinning and electrolytic techniques described can be applied in divided or undivided cells and can be operated in continuous fashion to provide the greatest efficiency. Hydrolysis based methods can employ either anodic oxidation or oxidation both of which function to oxidize the metal cation(s) present to hydrolytically unstable higher oxidation states.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing metal acid or salt evolved from electrolytic baths housed in electrolytic tanks during electrolytic operations. This method involves covering all of the surface of the electrolytic bath with a layer of shredded foam (e.g., polymeric foam, metal foam, glass foam, or vitreous material foam). The shredded foam is irregular in shape, lacking in uniform particle size, is inert to the electrolytic operation, and floats at the surface of the electrolytic bath. Desirably, the layer of shredded foam is about 3 to 4 inches (76-102 mm) in thickness. Examples of specific processes benefiting from the present invention are anodizing, electroplating, electrowinning, and electrophoresis operations.

Abstract: Method for upgrading waste material comprising sheet metal with a zinc plating on at least one side thereof, including a) subjecting the waste material to a mechanical processing step to improve the accessibility of said zinc layers to a subsequent chemical etching by increasing the accessible etching surface of the zinc layer portions, this being achieved by crushing the waste material to separate the sheets from each other and by producing cracks in said zinc layers; this step is advantageously conducted in a shredder/mill; b) subjecting the waste material to a chemical etching step to dissolve the zinc by immersing it in a basic bath; and c) separating the zinc-free sheets from the chemical etching bath continuing the dissolved zinc, which is then recovered by electrolysis. The invention particularly discloses the use of the above method for recovering and upgrading fresh scraps of zinc plated sheets in the automotive industry.

Abstract: Zinc metal is deposited from an alkali electrolyte solution onto conductive seed particles in an electrowinning process which yields unusually high current efficiency and low energy consumption.

Abstract: Ores containing copper, zinc, silver in the form of sulfides are treated by a solution of sulfurated sulfite ions and ammonium ions in order to remove most of the metals from the sulfide ores. This treatment renders the resulting gold bearing ores much more amenable to cyanide extraction. Dissolved metals are reclaimed by appropriate techniques, such as electrowinning or liquid-liquid extraction, and the solution of sulfurated sulfites and ammonia is recycled for further lixiviation of fresh ores.

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: A process for the extraction of a metal from an ore or concentrate comprises subjecting the ore or concentrate to pressure oxidation in the presence of oxygen and an acidic solution containing halogen ions and a source of bisulphate or sulphate ions, such as H.sub.2 SO.sub.4. The metals which can be extracted by the process comprises copper as well as non-cuprous metals such as zinc, nickel and cobalt. During pressure oxidation the metal may be precipitated as an insoluble basic salt, such as basic copper sulphate, or substantially completely solubilized and precipitated later as the basic metal salt.

Abstract: Zinc metal is deposited on mobile seed particles in an electrowinning process. Exceptionally favorable results in terms of production rate, current efficiency and energy consumption are achieved by using a unique combination of design parameters and operating conditions achieved by selected ranges for particle size, current density, particle bed thickness, and acid content of the electrolyte.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for the electrochemical preparation of metal colloids with particle sizes of less than 30 nm, characterized in that one or more salts of one or more metals of groups Ib, IIb, III, IV, V, VI, VIIb, VIII, lanthanoides, and/or actinoides of the periodic table are cathodically reduced in the presence of a stabilizer, optionally with a supporting electrolyte being added, in organic solvents or in solvent mixtures of organic solvents and/or water within a temperature range of between -78.degree. C. and +120.degree. C. to form metal colloidal solutions or redispersible metal colloid powders, optionally in the presence of inert substrates and/or soluble metal salts of the respective metals. The invention further relates to soluble or redispersible colloids as well as application on substrates and immobilization thereof, in particular for the preparation of catalysts.

Abstract: The invention provides a scraper for removing deposits from a major surface of an electrode in an electrochemical bath. The scraper consists of a plate which moves across the electrode surface. The scraper is provided with a scraper blade-retaining slot along one of its edges, the slot being angled relative to the plane of the scraper with its opening extending towards the electrode surface. The scraper also has a scraper blade which is removable from inter-engagement with the slot. In use, the scraper removes deposits from a major surface of an electrode in an electro-chemical liquid-containing bath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrometallurgical process for decontaminating soils 1 which are polluted with metallic elements, comprising a stage of basic leaching I so as to bring about the dissolution of the metallic elements to be removed, a cementation stage II bringing about the precipitation 6 of said elements in metal form, performed by electrochemical exchange with a zinc powder 5 produced by a stage of electrolysis III of the solution 7 originating from the cementation stage. In accordance with the invention a complementary addition of zinc is performed, preferably at the exit of the leaching stage in the form of a leachate 17 of waste from iron and steel manufacture, especially of dust 13 from electrical steel manufacture 15.

Abstract: The conditions for electrowinning Zn, Ni, Co and Cd metals from baths based on chlorinated ammino complexes of Me(NH.sub.3).sub.n Cl.sub.m type are substantially improved by the addition of small levels of dissolved Br, which considerably reduce the cell voltage without exerting any negative effects on cathodic current yields.

Abstract: A procedure and machine for cleaning the anodes of electrolytic tanks, said procedure comprising the operations of mechanically breaking the deposits on the surfaces of the anodes, detaching and separating the deposits, once broken, and then subjecting the plate of the anodes to a flattening operation. The procedure is carried out with a machine which includes at least one pair of cutting rollers (1), nozzles for supplying jets of water under pressure (2) situated above said rollers (1), two flattening plates (3) with flat opposing surfaces, and means of suspending and raising the anodes (13) between the rollers (1), nozzles (2) and plates (3). The plates (3) may be provided on their opposing surfaces with cutting grooves.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of a metal from an ore or concentrate comprises subjecting the ore or concentrate to pressure oxidation in the presence of oxygen and an acidic solution containing halogen ions and a source of bisulphate or sulphate ions, such as H2SO4. The metals which can be extracted by the process comprises copper as well as non-cuprous metals such as zinc, nickel and cobalt. During pressure oxidation the metal may be precipitated as an insoluble basic salt, such as basic copper sulphate, or substantially completely solubilized and precipitated later as the basic metal salt.