Electrochemical speciation and quantitative chromatography for modelling of indium bioleaching solutions

In order to meet increasing indium demands, (bio)hydrometallurgical winning of low-grade sources will likely be required. The goal of this work in the scope of the Biohydrometallurgical Centre Freiberg, was to use geochemical modelling to improve indium leaching and extraction efficiency. Indium stability constants and chemical conditions of process relevant solutions were required. Electrochemical methods were used to determine the stability constants of indium complexes with nitrate, chloride, sulfate, and hydroxide ions, as well as with electrowinning additives. High pressure liquid chromatography techniques were adapted to quantify polysulfides (Sx2–) and metal ions in leaching and extraction solutions. This cumulative information was used in geochemical modelling. Predominance, Pourbaix, and speciation diagrams were produced to describe and explain the behaviour of multiple components in various process relevant solutions.

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis.doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher

TU Bergakademie Freiberg

Year

2018

Author dc:creator

• Ashworth, Charlotte

Contributors dc:contributor

• Frisch, Gero
• Ryder, Karl

• Indium
• Biohydrometallurgy
• Electrochemistry
• Equilibrium Constants
• Chromatography
• Biohydrobetallurgie
• Elektrochemie
• Stabilitätskonstanten
• Chromatographie