Synergistic Effects of LIX 64N and Fe3+During Copper Electrowinning

SummaryThe synergistic effects of additive LIX 64N and Fe3+during copper electrowinning from sulphate electrolyte were investigated. The results show that the combination of LIX 64N and Fe3+affects current efficiency, deposit quality, crystallographic orientation and surface morphology of cathode copper. Electrolysis parameters like current density, circulation rate and temperature have appreciable influence on the synergistic effects of LIX 64N and Fe3+. The presence of either LIX 64N or Fe3+favoured pyramidal growth whereas their combination promoted ridge type structure. Addition of thiourea not only improved the current efficiency but also the deposit quality.