Potential-Controlled Electrolysis as an Effective Method of Selective Silver Electrowinning from Complex Matrix Leaching Solutions of Copper Concentrate

This study discusses the electrochemical recovery of pure metallic silver from solutions obtained through a two-step chloride leaching process of Lubin, Poland, copper flotation concentrate. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of potential-controlled electrolysis (PCEl) as a method for recovering silver from low-concentration, complex aqueous solutions, which typically contained approximately 50 mg/L of silver. A variety of experimental techniques, including cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry utilizing both two and three electrode configuration systems, were employed to study the electroreduction of silver. The research analyzed how different variables, such as potential and time of electrolysis, impacted the selectivity of silver reduction. The results of these experiments led to the determination of the optimal conditions necessary for the cathodic electrodeposition of pure silver powders using the PCEl method. This work contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop efficient methods for the recovery of precious metals from industrial waste, thereby addressing the growing demand for such metals amidst declining ore quality and increasing production costs.