Potential influence mechanism of Mn and Co ions in the process of electrowinning of copper

• Published in: Applied surface science 2025-02, Vol.681, p.161546, Article 161546
• Main Authors: Jiang, Cheng, Chen, Yi-wen, Zhou, Ying-ping, Chen, Bu-ming, Huang, Hui, Guo, Jun, Gao, Chao, Xu, Rui-dong, Guo, Zhong-cheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Corrosion resistance; Energy consumption; Oxygen evolution reaction; Surface reaction
• ISSN: 0169-4332
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2024.161546

[Display omitted] •The effects of Mn and Co ions in the copper electrowinning were investigated.•The MnO2 formed improves anodic catalytic activity and corrosion resistance.•The introduced Co ions reduce cathodic cracking. The presence of impurity ions in the electrolyte during copper electrolysis influences anode performance and cathode quality. Lead anode corrosion causes resource loss and environmental pollution, emphasizing the need to study these impurities. The effects of Co2+ and Mn2+ on Pb-0.06 %Ca-1.2 %Sn anodes and cathode copper are investigated, establishing optimal ion concentrations. Mn2+ facilitates the growth of MnO2 on the PbO2 surface, enhancing corrosion resistance and catalytic activity, especially at a concentration of 2 mg/L. Additionally, the presence of Co2+ leads to the formation of Co3O4 and MnO2, further improving corrosion resistance and promoting oxygen evolution. A pilot experiment with Mn2+ at 2 mg/L and Co2+ at 120 mg/L achieves a current efficiency of 98.4 % and reduces the cell voltage to 1.817 V, successfully meeting energy-saving and efficiency-enhancing objectives.