Application of Photocatalytic Reduction Method with TiOsub2/sub for Gold Recovery

摘要

For replacing the un-ecofriendly gold recovery methods, photoreduction catalyzed by TiOsub2/sub is proposed as an environmentally benign alternative method for gold recovery. In this study, the photocatalytic reduction was carried out by batch technique, in which the influences of reaction time, TiOsub2/sub photocatalyst dose, and initial Au(III) concentration were evaluated to get the optimal condition. In addition, the influence of Ag(I), Cu(II), and Fe(III) that are usually found along with gold in the gold mineral is also studied. The research results indicate that the effective Au(III) photoreduction catalyzed by TiOsub2/sub has produced brown solid powder of gold element. It is also found that the effectiveness of Au(III) photoreduction is controlled by reaction time, Au(III) initial concentration, and photocatalyst dose. Furthermore, the presence of Ag(I) and Cu(II) ions leads to the gold photodeposition decreased, meanwhile the presence of Fe(III) ion can enhance the photoreduction. It is clear that photocatalytic method is a promising method for gold recovery, with respect to the easiness, cheapness, and eco- friendliness.