REDUCTION AND OXIDATION OF TRANSITION METALS, INCLUDING PLATINUM GROUP METALS, WITHOUT THE USE OF AQUA REGIA

摘要

This invention has applications in the manufacturing of salts, analysis,mining,extraction and refining of transition metals, particularly Platinum GroupMetals.A physical and electrochemical process in a compartmentalized electrolyticcellchanges refractory transition metal compounds to readily soluble salts. Theelectrolytic cell has three compartments, a mixing chamber, a reductionchamber and an oxidation chamber. The mixing chamber contains theelectrolyte, the substance processed, the reduction chamber and the oxidationchamber. In the reduction chamber, the negative electrode and the electrolyteproduce a concentration of nascent hydrogen, which reduces the metals. Inthe oxidation chamber, the positive electrode and the electrolyte produce aconcentration of nascent chlorine and oxidizing agents, which oxidize metalsassoluble salts, or soluble complex ionic compounds. Convection currents orpumps circulate the substance processed through the various chambers.