Selective recovery of gold by simultaneous adsorption–reduction using microalgal residues generated from biofuel conversion processes

BACKGROUND: This research provides a new approach to the effective use of microalgal biomass waste generated by biofuel conversion processes. In this study, a novel adsorbent for Au(III) recovery was prepared by treating microalgal residues with concentrated sulfuric acid. RESULTS: The prepared adsorbent, crosslinked microalgae, exhibited high affinity and selectivity for Au(III) over other precious and base metal ions in a hydrochloric acid medium. From the adsorption isotherms, the maximum adsorption capacity of the crosslinked microalgae for Au(III) was estimated to be 3.25 mol kg^?1 (640 g kg^?1), which was about eight times higher than the adsorption capacity of the microalgal residue. Microphotographs, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction confirmed the formation of metallic Au, suggesting that a redox reaction had taken place between the adsorbent and Au(III) ions during adsorption. Comparison of Fourier‐transform infrared spectra before and after adsorption indicated that hydroxyl groups as well as ether oxygen atoms in the crosslinked microalgae participated in the Au(III) uptake mechanism. It also suggested that the reduction of Au(III) to Au(0) was facilitated by hydroxyl groups in the crosslinked microalgae. CONCLUSION: The results presented in this paper are very promising for the practical use of microalgal residues for the recovery of Au(III) because of good selectivity and favorable adsorption capacity for Au(III). Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry