Selective electrochemical removal of chromium from slag byproduct
Innovative electrochemical technology for reducing chromium in LD slag from over 1500 ppm to below 100 ppm using redox-active metallopolymer electrodes, achieving >98% recovery and >80% Faradaic efficiency.
Overview
This solution focuses on the selective removal of trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) from LD slag byproducts using an advanced electrochemical approach. The process leverages redox-active metallopolymer electrodes to convert chromium to its elemental form (Cr(0)), effectively reducing its concentration from over 1500 ppm to below 100 ppm. This method provides a high recovery rate of over 98% and maintains a Faradaic efficiency exceeding 80%. It offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional chromium removal methods, with potential applications in waste management and metal recovery industries.
Technical specifications
- Selective Electrochemical Capture: Utilizes redox-active metallopolymer electrodes for efficient chromium capture.
- High Recovery and Efficiency: Achieves chromium recovery rates >98% and Faradaic efficiency >80%.
- Optimized Process: Involves hydrometallurgical leaching and electrochemical reduction, with controlled leaching conditions (pH, temperature, leachant type) to maximize Cr recovery.
- Comprehensive Analysis: Employs ICP-OES, XRD, XRF, and SEM-EDS for compositional analysis and validation of the treated product.
- Techno-Economic Assessment: Evaluates economic feasibility and scalability, comparing costs with conventional methods.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating it is in the development phase with validation in laboratory settings. Further optimization and scalability assessments are planned to advance its maturity for industrial applications.
About University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign is a flagship public research university with large‑scale research capacity and a broad academic portfolio. An on‑campus Research Park co‑locates corporate R&D teams and startups with faculty, while the National Center for Supercomputing Applications provides advanced computing and data capabilities for collaboration. Integration with a regional health system and an engineering‑based college of medicine enables clinical translation, and a long‑standing extension network links campus innovation to partners statewide. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, and DoD. A technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startups, complemented by incubators and prototyping in the Research Park.
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