Removal of Copper from Aqueous Amminecopper(II) Solution by Foam Flotation

Abstract

Copper is removed from aqueous amminecopper(II) solution by adsorbing colloid flotation. Iron(III) hydroxide is used as the adsorbing carrier floc, and an anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate is used as the collector. Optimal flotations are achieved at the pH of maximum adsorption of copper on the resultant flocs. Adsorption of copper on the flocs enhances their floatability. Rapid and efficient removal of copper can be obtained by a batch operation under controlled dosing of iron(III) for samples in various concentrations of total ammonia. A two-step batch method has the advantages of higher efficiency and lower copper residue when dealing with samples of high copper concentration (>200 ppm) and low total ammonia (<0.15 M).