Recovery of Metals from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) by Anodic Dissolution

The recovery of metals from a multi-component alloy obtained by crushing and melting of PC mainboard scraps has been investigated. The anodic dissolution of the alloy was carried out in a electrolysis cell (1500 mL capacity) with two symmetrical stainless steel cathodes (70x60x0.5mm) and a central cast anode, immersed in an acidic electrolyte containing 150 g/L H2SO4 and 120 g/L CuSO4 center dot 5H(2)O respectively. The temperature of the electrolyte during the process was 60 degrees C. Depending on the electrolysis parameters (current density, cell voltage), cathodic deposits of Cu (99 wt %) and Cu-Sn alloy (with 8-10 wt % Sn) were obtained. It was observed that Pb, Sn as well as precious metals (Au, Ag) were concentrated in the anodic slime. The experiments performed have demonstrated the possibility of separating/recovery of metals from the multi-component alloy which resulted from waste electrical and electronic equipment, by anodic dissolution.