A new methodology for the measurement of transition metals ions in complex, high temperature oxide systems relevant to non-ferrous metal production. Complex multi-component molten oxide phases, known commonly as slags, are used in the high temperature production and refining of metals. The slag systems of commercial interest contain transition metals species, such as, Fe2+, Fe3+. Each of these species behaves as if it were a separate chemical component. Researchers at the University of Queensla ....A new methodology for the measurement of transition metals ions in complex, high temperature oxide systems relevant to non-ferrous metal production. Complex multi-component molten oxide phases, known commonly as slags, are used in the high temperature production and refining of metals. The slag systems of commercial interest contain transition metals species, such as, Fe2+, Fe3+. Each of these species behaves as if it were a separate chemical component. Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed a new methodolgy, which enables the concentrations of these transition metal ions to be measured.
These types of measurements cannot be made with any of the techniques currently in use. The study will provide data on high temperature slags in a number of industrially and scientifically important systems. This approach will be applicable to a wide range of chemical systems in the fields of extractive metallurgy, materials science and geology; systems which could not previously be characterised.Read moreRead less
A Novel Approach to Processing of Australian Laterite Ores through Selective Reduction and Carbonylation. Processing of laterite ores, started in 1998 in Australia, has significantly enhanced Australian role on the international nickel market. However, the production of nickel from oxide ores by established technologies consumes two to three times energy as processing of sulphide ores with significant environmental impact. This underlines the importance of development of more energy efficient pr ....A Novel Approach to Processing of Australian Laterite Ores through Selective Reduction and Carbonylation. Processing of laterite ores, started in 1998 in Australia, has significantly enhanced Australian role on the international nickel market. However, the production of nickel from oxide ores by established technologies consumes two to three times energy as processing of sulphide ores with significant environmental impact. This underlines the importance of development of more energy efficient processes for oxide ores. The proposed technology will significantly decrease energy and water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions in nickel production. It will enhance the competitiveness of Australian Nickel Industry and stimulate its expansion with significant economy and social benefits.Read moreRead less
Development and Use of Ionic Liquids in Metal Recovery from Ores, Concentrates and Mattes. Ionic liquids, which are liquid over a wide temperature range and can dissolve a wide range of solutes to high concentrations, promise new and yet unexplored approaches in processing ores. We aim to prepare ionic liquids and apply these to increase the intensity of copper and gold sulfide processing, and to explore more efficient separation of platinum group metals from mattes. New oxidative leaching techn ....Development and Use of Ionic Liquids in Metal Recovery from Ores, Concentrates and Mattes. Ionic liquids, which are liquid over a wide temperature range and can dissolve a wide range of solutes to high concentrations, promise new and yet unexplored approaches in processing ores. We aim to prepare ionic liquids and apply these to increase the intensity of copper and gold sulfide processing, and to explore more efficient separation of platinum group metals from mattes. New oxidative leaching techniques will be developed to diminish ore passivation and enhance recovery; high current electrowinning of copper in ionic liquids will be probed. Evolving technology should yield economic and environmental benefits for a nationally important industry.Read moreRead less
The Physicochemical Properties of Complex Silicate Melts - Application of a New Quasichemical Model to Surface Tension Prediction. Most chemical reactions occur at surfaces or interfaces. The contact area and ease in which fluids spread or cover surfaces depends critically on the surface tension or surface energy of the fluid.
In the processing of metals and advanced ceramic materials the behaviour of molten oxides can greatly influence the rates of reactions, the quality of the interfaces bet ....The Physicochemical Properties of Complex Silicate Melts - Application of a New Quasichemical Model to Surface Tension Prediction. Most chemical reactions occur at surfaces or interfaces. The contact area and ease in which fluids spread or cover surfaces depends critically on the surface tension or surface energy of the fluid.
In the processing of metals and advanced ceramic materials the behaviour of molten oxides can greatly influence the rates of reactions, the quality of the interfaces between phases and therefore mechanical and other key properties of advanced materials produced.
This project provides a means of predicting the surface tensions of molten oxides, making it possible to design, control and improve metal and material manufacturing processes.Read moreRead less
ECOLOGICALLY SAFE RECYCLING OF ELECTRONIC SCRAP - CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS OF NOVEL HIGH TEMPERATURE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY. As a developed industrialized society we are faced with increasing problems associated with the obsolete electronic materials. These materials are classed as hazardous wastes because they contain heavy metals and other elements that must be removed or made chemically inert before they can be disposed of safely. Electronic components however also represent a source of valuabl ....ECOLOGICALLY SAFE RECYCLING OF ELECTRONIC SCRAP - CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS OF NOVEL HIGH TEMPERATURE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY. As a developed industrialized society we are faced with increasing problems associated with the obsolete electronic materials. These materials are classed as hazardous wastes because they contain heavy metals and other elements that must be removed or made chemically inert before they can be disposed of safely. Electronic components however also represent a source of valuable elements that can be recovered and reused. The project will assist in finding safe, cost-efficient ways in which we can process these materials and, at the same time, recover the valuable metals contained within them. The project will thus contribute to the sustainable use of our raw materials and a cleaner environment.Read moreRead less