The influence of cathodic reduction, Fe2+ and Cu2+ ions on the electrochemical dissolution of chalcopyrite in acidic solution

The electrochemical behaviour of chalcopyrite has been studied in sulphuric acid solutions with the carbon paste electrode technique. Cyclic voltammetry were performed and the effect of cathodic scan limit, Fe2+ and Cu2+ ion concentrations were followed. The presence of Cu2+ ions in solutions leads to an increase in both the oxidation and the reduction currents, but in either case further increases in currents were observed when Fe2+ ion was added in admixture to the electrolyte. Chalcocite was identified as a product of reactions at extremely high cathodic potentials. The morphology and structure of the produced products after anodic or cathodic treatments of chalcopyrite were examined by the scanning electron microscopy.