Study on the Removal of Chloride Ions in an Acidic Solution of Zinc Smelting by Green Method

Abstract

In the process of zinc smelting, when the chloride ion concentration exceeds 100 mg/L, it continuously corrodes the electrode plate and affects the stability of the electrodeposition process. Therefore, the chloride concentration must be reduced below 100 mg/L. Compared with other methods used to control the reactions of Cu(II), the use of the copper slag produced in zinc smelting without other additives does not cause reverse dissolution; to reduce the cost, turn the waste into treasure, and protect the environment, research was carried out on chloride removal by the copper slag via a synergistic valence control process. In this study, the influencing factors, such as the amount of copper slag, the reaction time, and reaction temperature, were systematically investigated. The results showed that the optimum dechlorination conditions were as follows: the copper: copper(II): chloride molar ratio was 6:5:1, the reaction time was 60 min, and the reaction temperature was 20 °C. The chloride ion concentration was decreased from 1.6 g/L to 0.05 g/L, the dechlorination efficiency was 96.875%, and the residual chloride ion concentration was less than 100 mg/L, which provides a basis for industrial use.