Efficient Electrochemical Recovery of Tellurium from Spent Electrolytes by Cyclone Electrowinning

A novel process for recovery of tellurium (Te) from spent Te electrolytes by cyclone electrowinning was developed. The effects of current density, electrolysis time, flow rate of the electrolyte (FRE), electrolyte temperature and cathode substrates on current efficiency (CE), tellurium recovery, cell voltage, energy consumption (EC), and surface morphology were systematically investigated. 99.90% of purity Te deposits were obtained while 95.61% of CE was achieved under the optimum conditions: electrolysis time of 24 h, current density of 60 A.m(-2), FRE of 300 L.h(-1), temperature of 30 degrees C and cathode substrates of 316L SS. Meanwhile, Te recovery and EC were 82.89% and 1810.58 kWh.t(-1), respectively. Furthermore, as the solution after the electrowinning is recyclable, the consumption of reagents and the liquid effluent are minimized. All the parameters indicate that the cyclone electrowinning technology might serve as a promising alternative for recovering Te from spent Te electrolyte.

Automated summary

A novel process called cyclone electrowinning was developed to recover tellurium from spent tellurium electrolytes. Under optimal conditions, high purity tellurium deposits were obtained with a high current efficiency and tellurium recovery rate, while reducing energy consumption and liquid effluent. The technology shows promise as an alternative method for tellurium recovery.