THREE-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRODES FOR THE REMOVAL OF METALS FROM DILUTE SOLUTIONS: A REVIEW

Abstract

Electrochemical processes utilizing three-dimensional (3-D) electrodes have significant potential for a variety of applications, particularly for the treatment of dilute effluents. The use of electrons to reduce the metal species from solution can be regarded as “cleaner” technology than the use of a chemical reagent, which would further contaminate the waste stream. Literature detailing the studies of these electrodes has been extensively published. A review of such literature is presented, summarizing the various types of 3-D electrodes and certain design considerations.

Keywords:

• effluent treatment
• electrowinning
• fluidized-bed electrodes (FBEs)
• hydrometallurgy
• packed-bed electrodes (PBEs)
• three-dimensional (3-D) electrodes