Effect of Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ Ions on the Electrochemical Behavior of Massive Chalcopyrite in Bioleaching System

Abstract:

The electrochemical behavior of massive chalcopyrite in presence of Acidithiobacillus caldus, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Leptospirillum ferrooxidans and Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans has been studied by cyclic voltammetry. The effect of Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ion addition on the electrochemical behavior of massive chalcopyrite in bioleaching system were also investigated. The voltammograms illustrated that current densities of peaks were obviously increased with adding Fe²⁺ into the electrolyte. A series of anodic peaks were observed at more than 0 V when adding Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions, and these peaks are similar to the peaks of the step oxidation of chalcocite, thus proving that the formation of intermediate CuS₂. Especially, the 9 g/L Fe²⁺ and 1.5 g/L Cu²⁺ were added. Therefore, appropriate ferrous and cupric ions concentration could enhance the formation of intermediate CuS₂ leading to accelerate dissolution of chalcopyrite.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 825)
• Pages: 472-476
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.825.472
• Online since: October 2013
• Authors: Wen Qing Qin, Cong Ren Yang, Jun Wang, Yansheng Zhang, Fen Jiao, Hong Bo Zhao, Shan Zhu
• Keywords: Bioleaching, Chalcopyrite, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV)

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