Estimation of Mass Transfer Coefficient for Copper Electrowinning Process

Mass transfer was examined at a stationary rectangular copper electrode as part of the copper electrowinning process, focusing on the reduction of cupric ions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various electrolyte temperatures (25, 45, and 65 °C) and cupric ion concentrations (4, 8, and 12 mM) on the mass transfer coefficient using the limiting current technique. Data were systematically collected and analyzed to establish correlations between the mass transfer coefficients and the corresponding Sherwood numbers. The findings revealed significant variations in the mass transfer coefficients based on the electrolyte conditions, contributing valuable insights to the understanding of electrolytic systems. This research supports ongoing efforts to optimize electrochemical processes and enhance their efficiency in industrial applications. The results elucidate the relationship between mass transfer rates and operational parameters, thereby assisting in the design and optimization of copper electrowinning as a sustainable technology for metal extraction.