PROCESS FOR ELECTROLYTIC RECOVERY OF ARGENTUM FROM METAL-BASE ARGENTUM COATING Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: metallurgy of noble metals, mainly argentum, possibly electrolytic recovery of argentum out of argentum-containing waste material of electronic and electrical articles. SUBSTANCE: process comprises use of electrolyte for anode dissolution of argentum. Said electrolyte contains sulphuric acid with concentration 80.0-84.5% mass and argentum sulfate in quantity 15-40 g/l of acid. Electrolysis is realized at voltage no more than 1.8V for separation of metallic argentum on cathode, preferably with temperature 35-50C for recovery of argentum out of coatings on base containing copper, ferrum or aluminium. Purity degree of metallic argentum separated on cathode is no less than 99.9% at its recovery degree 99.6-99.8%. Electrolyte contains widely used non-toxic compounds. EFFECT: possibility for cathode reduction of argentum out of waste material of electronic and electrical articles without damaging material of their base. 3 cl, 6 ex