Electrochemical Precipitation of Platinum Group Metals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recovering platinum group metals from diluted liquid feed streams containing precursor compounds are neither selective nor sustainable, often requiring hazardous chemicals, high temperatures, and energy-intensive processes, and are not suitable for recovering platinum group metals in their elemental form.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical process using a gas-diffusion electrode with CO2 reduction to CO, applied in an electrochemical cell, which allows for the precipitation of platinum group metals in their elemental form from a feed containing precursor compounds, facilitating controlled particle size and simplified recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods (chemical reduction with H2/CO, high temperature processes) are used to recover platinum group metals, then metal recovery can be achieved, but hazardous chemicals must be added and high energy consumption is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional chemical reduction methods (using H2/CO gases and chemical reagents) with an electrochemical reduction system. The electrochemical cell uses electrical energy to drive the reduction of platinum group metal ions to metallic nanoparticles, eliminating the need for hazardous chemical reagents while maintaining effective metal recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental mechanism from chemical reduction to electrochemical reduction. By applying electrical potential to reduce metal ions at the cathode, the process avoids harmful chemicals and high temperatures, achieving metal recovery through controlled electrochemical reactions instead
2Reliability
If conventional methods are used to recover platinum group metals, then metal recovery can be achieved, but high temperatures and energy-intensive processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes thermal/chemical energy with electrical energy. The electrochemical cell operates at ambient temperatures, using electrical potential to drive the reduction reaction, thereby eliminating high temperature requirements and reducing overall energy consumption compared to conventional thermal processes
3Reliability
If conventional methods are used to recover platinum group metals, then metal recovery can be achieved, but complex processes requiring supporting materials and vigorous bubbling are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary process components from conventional methods. By using electrochemical reduction, the process removes the need for supporting materials, complex gas delivery systems, and vigorous bubbling apparatus, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective metal recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical system performs the reduction function directly through electrical potential application, eliminating the need for external chemical reagents, supporting materials, and complex gas handling systems. The process is self-contained and simplifies the overall recovery operation
4Reliability
If conventional methods are used to recover platinum group metals, then metal recovery can be achieved, but selective recovery is poor and contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a cathode with specific electrochemical properties that selectively reduce platinum group metal ions while leaving other metal ions in solution. The controlled electrochemical environment at the cathode surface enables selective recovery of target metals based on their reduction potentials
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
The process effectively precipitates platinum group metals in their elemental form from diluted feeds, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for hazardous reagents, enabling efficient recycling and reuse with controlled particle size and minimal electrode involvement.
Implementation Method 1
applying a potential to the cathode which is such as to cause electrochemical reduction of the CO2 to CO
Implementation Method 2
cathode comprising a gas diffusion electrode with a porous electrochemically active material
Implementation Method 3
recovering from the liquid phase precipitated particles of the one or more platinum group metals in elemental form
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for recovering platinum group metals from a feed containing one or more precursor compounds of one or more platinum group metal ions, wherein the process comprises the steps of (i) supplying to a cathode compartment of an electrochemical cell equipped with a cathode comprising a gas diffusion electrode with a porous electrochemically active material, the feed containing the one or more precursor compounds to form a liquid phase in the cathode compartment, (ii) supplying a CO2 containing gas to the cathode compartment, (iii) applying a potential to the cathode which is such as to cause electrochemical reduction of the CO2 to CO, (iv) and recovering from the liquid phase precipitated particles of the one or more platinum group metals in clemental form.