Multipurpose electrolytic device for forced or spontaneous metal electrowinning processes, with independent electrolytes

摘要

The invention relates to a multipurpose electrolytic device for forced or spontaneous electrolytic processes, which incorporates selective and unidirectional ion exchange membranes in order to separate between two or more compartments and allow electrical conductivity therebetween, with independent electrolytes for controlled electrolytic ion transformation, regardless of the chemical composition of the electrolyte containing the element of interest, with high faradaic efficiency and high energy performance. The invention also relates to a method. The device can be used for processes such as metal electrowinning, metal electrorefining, electrooxidation and electroreduction of ionic species. The device uses two independent, energetically suitable electrolytes, which allow controlled electrolytic ion transformation, with high faradaic efficiency and high energy performance, unlike current forced electrolysis methods, which operate with a common electrolyte. The device can be used in any aqueous medium, for example an acid environment, such as sulphuric, hydrochloric or other acid, a caustic-soda-based alkaline, or ammonium, thiocyanate or thiosulfate salts, optionally with the presence of organic reactants.