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Public defence in Processing of Materials, M. Sc. Ivan Korolev

Public defence from the Aalto University Schoolf of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering
väitöstilaisuuden kuva, Korolev

Title of the thesis: Selective gold recovery from complex solutions via electrochemical deposition with redox replacement
 

Doctoral researcher: Ivan Korolev
Vastaväittäjä: Professor Francesco Vegliò, University of L’Aquila, Italy
Kustos: Professor Mari Lundström, Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering

Extracting pure gold from ores with electricity

The global demand for metals like gold has been increasing due to their critical role in high-tech industries, especially in electronics. However, recovering gold from low-grade solutions, often mixed with other metals, presents significant environmental and economic challenges. Traditional gold extraction methods can be inefficient, costly, and harmful to the environment due to the use of chemicals like cyanide.

This dissertation investigates the Electrodeposition-Redox Replacement (EDRR) method – a novel approach that selectively recovers gold from complex, multimetal solutions. EDRR involves a two-step process where a base metal is deposited on an electrode and then replaced by gold through a natural chemical reaction. Through a series of laboratory and pilot-scale studies, the research shows that EDRR can effectively extract gold from complex solutions containing multiple metals, such as silver, copper, tellurium, and iron. This process has been scaled up successfully, showcasing its potential for industrial applications.

Building upon earlier work in electrochemical metal recovery, the research takes the field forward by focusing on selective extraction from challenging, low-concentration solutions. EDRR is a promising new approach that can complement existing methods, such as carbon adsorption and ion exchange. One of its key advantages is that no chemical addition is needed, and green, renewable electricity can be used to enable metal recovery. Additionally, it shows great potential for being applicable to a wider range of industrial process streams.

This research provides a pathway toward more sustainable gold recovery processes, reducing the reliance on hazardous chemicals and minimizing environmental impacts. By enabling the recovery of valuable metals from industrial waste and low-grade resources, it also supports the transition toward a circular economy and promotes resource efficiency.

 

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence

Yhteystiedot:
Ivan Korolev
ivаn.kоrоlе[email protected]

Doctoral thesis in the School of Chemical Engineering

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