Title: Automotive spent catalysts treatment and platinum recovery

Authors: Loris Pietrelli; Danilo Fontana

Addresses: ENEA C.R. Casaccia, Environmental Department, Via Anguillarese 301, Rome I-00123, Italy ' ENEA C.R. Casaccia, Environmental Department, Via Anguillarese 301, Rome I-00123, Italy

Abstract: The recovery of platinum from spent catalysts was examined. Platinum leaching was studied considering particle size, temperature, solid-liquid and HCl/HNO3 ratio effects. Many elements together with Pt were taken from a mixed spent catalyst sample. The main components of the leach liquor were Pt (1.84 g/kg cat) and Fe (0.94 g/kg cat). Platinum was separated from the leach aqueous solution by using Tri-Octyl Phosphine Oxide (TOPO) in kerosene. The extraction was studied considering equilibrium time, TOPO and HCl concentration, tin(II) chloride presence and stripping agents. Iron represents the main ion competitor for Pt extraction.

Keywords: platinum recovery; PGM; platinum group metals; spent catalysts; leaching; solvent extraction; TOPO; tri-octyl phosphine oxide; kerosene; hydrometallurgy; waste management; iron; automobile industry; materials recovery; metal recovery; spent catalytic converters; automotive materials; recycling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2013.051845

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2013 Vol.11 No.2, pp.222 - 232

Published online: 20 Sep 2014 *

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