Recovery of metal components from sulfide mineral tailings by microbial fuel cell
US9755261B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 2015 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/20
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a novel method that recovers metal components from sulfide mineral tailings by Microbial Fuel Cell. The traditional bio-hydrometallurgy reaction is split to one oxidization reaction taking place in the anode chamber and one reduction reaction taking place in the cathode chamber. H+ generated during the oxidization reaction is continually transferred to cathode chamber through proton exchange membrane and reacted with O2 to generate H2O, which not only increases the reaction rate in anode chamber but also decreases equipment corrosion caused by excessive H+. The method of the present invention, recovering metals as well as electronic power, is environment-friendly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.