Electrocatalytic titanium mesh surfaces combined with standard lead substrates for process improvements and power savings in copper electrowinning.

A retrofittable, low-cost anode has been developed by attaching disposable, electrocatalytically active titanium mesh over the existing lead anodes. The electrocatalytically active coating on the mesh is typically a PGM oxide such as RuO2 or IrO2, usually with valve metal oxides such as TiO2 or Ta2O5. The coated-mesh anode operates at potentials several hundred millivolts lower than the lead anode, providing significant power savings. As most of the current flows through the mesh, the exposed lead surfaces are stabilised, sludge formation is virtually eliminated and the purity of the plated copper is greatly enhanced; it is also more uniform with minimal formation of dendrites, reducing short-circuiting. Further savings may be realised by the elimination of non-essential chemicals such as cobalt. When necessary, the mesh can be replaced completely or in small sections.
A retrofittable, low-cost anode has been developed by attaching disposable, electrocatalytically active titanium mesh over the existing lead anodes. The electrocatalytically active coating on the mesh is typically a PGM oxide such as RuO2 or IrO2, usually with valve metal oxides such as TiO2 or Ta2O5. The coated-mesh anode operates at potentials several hundred millivolts lower than the lead anode, providing significant power savings. As most of the current flows through the mesh, the exposed lead surfaces are stabilised, sludge formation is virtually eliminated and the purity of the plated copper is greatly enhanced; it is also more uniform with minimal formation of dendrites, reducing short-circuiting. Further savings may be realised by the elimination of non-essential chemicals such as cobalt. When necessary, the mesh can be replaced completely or in small sections.