Invention:
This technology uses molten salts, which are electrically conductive and can be used as an electrolyte for the electrodeposition of copper, and extracts pure copper from impure copper inputs in a single step, therefore reducing the extraction time without requiring or producing any toxic products.
Background:
It is expected that around 6,000 metric tons of copper will be produced using solvent extraction/electrowinning methods by 2018. With the worldwide demand for copper rising, this technology has the potential to fill a need unmet thus far. The proposed device/technique extracts pure copper from a solution using one-step electrodeposition techniques involving molten salts, which create an environmentally friendly product/process that contains no toxic by-products.
Applications:
Advantages:
- One-step process
- Environmentally friendly
- Does not require or produce any toxic products
- Sustainable and economical for the user
