Basic Copper Carbonate Synthesis via Ammonia Complexes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing basic copper carbonate (BCC) are energy-intensive or result in contamination, making them less desirable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a solution of copper (II), an amine, carbonic acid, and water, with pH adjustment to form BCC, and optionally introducing a copper metal-containing material into a copper (II)-depleted solvent system to enrich the copper (II) solution, allowing for the recovery of BCC with controlled particle size and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the caustic boil method is used to prepare BCC, then BCC can be produced, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the reaction system by using a specific ammonia-to-copper ratio (2.5:1 to 3.5:1) and controlling pH levels to precipitate BCC at different stages. This parameter optimization allows the process to proceed at lower temperatures and with reduced energy input compared to traditional caustic boil methods, directly resolving the energy consumption issue while maintaining manufacturing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary actions by first forming a copper-ammonia complex solution, then gradually adjusting pH to precipitate BCC. This staged approach with pre-formed complexes allows for better control of the reaction conditions and reduces the energy required for direct precipitation, solving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and energy consumption
2Ease of manufacture
If sodium carbonate is added to copper sulfate solution to prepare BCC, then BCC can be formed, but the product is contaminated with sodium and sulfate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes harmful sodium and sulfate ions from the reaction system by using an alternative chemistry pathway based on copper-ammonia complexes and carbonic acid. This extraction of harmful substances is achieved by replacing the sodium carbonate-copper sulfate reaction system with an ammonia-based system that produces high-purity BCC, directly resolving the contamination issue while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces ammonia and carbonic acid as intermediary substances that mediate the formation of BCC without introducing harmful contaminants. The ammonia forms soluble copper complexes that can be cleanly precipitated as BCC, serving as a beneficial intermediary that avoids the contamination problems associated with direct sodium carbonate-copper sulfate reactions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces energy consumption and minimizes contamination, enabling the efficient production of BCC with controlled morphology, yielding high-purity products like malachite and azurite with reduced energy input.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting the pH of the solution until BCC is formed
Implementation Method 2
contacting copper metal with an aqueous solution comprising an amine, carbonic acid, and oxygen under conditions where the copper metal is converted into BCC
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming basic copper carbonates includes providing an aqueous solution comprising copper (II) ammonia, and carbonic acid; and adding sufficient carbon dioxide to precipitate a basic copper carbonate from the aqueous solution.