Coal to Clean: Comparing Advanced Electrodes for Desulfurization and Copper Recovery
Katarina R. Pantović Spajić,
Marijana R. Pantović Pavlović,
Srecko Stopic,
Vesna S. Cvetković,
Nataša M. Petrović,
Branislav Marković,
Miroslav M. Pavlović
Affiliations
Katarina R. Pantović Spajić
Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Marijana R. Pantović Pavlović
Department of Electrochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Srecko Stopic
IME Process Metallurgy and Metal Recycling, RWTH Aachen University, 52072 Aachen, Germany
Vesna S. Cvetković
Department of Electrochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Nataša M. Petrović
Department of Electrochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Branislav Marković
Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Miroslav M. Pavlović
Department of Electrochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
This study explores the electrochemical desulfurization of coal and the recovery of copper (Cu) using dimensionally stable anode (DSA) electrodes. Background: The research addresses the need for effective sulfur removal from coal to reduce emissions. Methods: Electrochemical desulfurization was conducted using DSA and graphite electrodes, evaluating parameters like activation energy, desulfurization rate, and energy consumption. Cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry were used to study the electrochemical properties. Results: The DSA electrode demonstrated superior performance with higher desulfurization rates, lower activation energy, and better response to temperature increases compared to the graphite electrode. Optimal desulfurization was achieved at 50 °C with the DSA electrode, balancing efficiency and energy consumption. Copper recovery from the solution post-desulfurization was effective, with an 86.34% recovery rate at −0.15 V vs. (Ag|AgCl). The energy consumption for the Cu recovery was calculated to be 10.56 J, and the total cost for recovering 1 ton of Cu was approximately 781.20 €. Conclusions: The study highlights the advantages of DSA electrodes for efficient sulfur removal and metal recovery, promoting cleaner energy production and environmental sustainability. Future research should focus on optimizing electrochemical conditions and scaling up the process for industrial applications.
