Method for extracting iron from red mud using microwave reduction and electrodeposition

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for extracting iron from red mud using microwave biomass reduction-sulfuric acid leaching-electrolytic deposition, belonging to the field of resource comprehensive utilization and hydrometallurgical technology. The method first involves uniformly mixing red mud with a biomass reducing agent, then using a microwave field for rapid and efficient reduction, converting the sparingly soluble iron oxides in the red mud into readily soluble elemental iron or low-valence iron oxides. The reduction product is then leached with sulfuric acid, allowing the iron to enter the solution and separate from most impurities. Finally, the iron-rich leachate is electrolytically deposited to directly obtain high-purity electrolytic iron. This invention utilizes the selectivity and holistic nature of microwave heating, coupled with the green and renewable characteristics of the biomass reducing agent, to achieve efficient, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly recovery of iron from red mud. The process is short, energy-efficient, and has significant industrial application prospects.

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