TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
The Marc-André Fortin research group has developed a plasma-enhanced electrochemical separation device to extract gold or PGM from aqueous waste solutions. The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) method generates a homogeneous Ar/ H2 plasma at atmospheric pressure between the liquid electrode and the aqueous solution.
The reactive species in the plasma induce the reduction of metal ions leading to the production of metallic nanoparticles (NP) which are then separated by centrifugation.
Recuperate metals from plating baths without toxic additives
Gold selective recovery rate from plating effluent:
• %Au = 95%-100%
• %Sn = 1.2%-1.7% Recuperate PGM from catalysts more efficiently
Reduction rate in optimized conditions:
• %Pd = 98% – 100%
• %Rh = 74% – 76%
• %Pt = 50% – 52%
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
- Precipitate metallic ions in aqueous solutions without toxic chemicals
- Highly efficient process
- Not time consuming compared to electrowinning (15-30 min)
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
- A semi-industrial set-up was built with a non-profit industrial consortium (COREM)
- A virtual demonstration is available
- Technology available for in-licensing
- Seeking for industrial co-development partner
- Eligibility to government financing for industry/academic maturation program
IP PROTECTION
