Dissolution kinetics of copper, white metal and natural chalcocite in Cl2/Cl- media

In order to explain the model of kinetics control on the dissolution of metallic copper, white metal, and natural chalcocite, the effects of the stirring speed, pH, initial chlorine and chloride concentrations, particle size, and temperature were investigated. The kinetics appear to be mass transport-controlled in conditions of full suspension of the particles, with activation energies of 17.9 kJ/mol (4.3 kcal/mol), 23.3 kJ/mol (5.6 kcal/mol), and 22.4 kJ/mol (5.4 kcal/mol) for copper, chalcocite, and white metal, respectively. The dependence of pH, temperature, and chloride concentration indicate that the rates were essentially determined by the concentration of chlorine. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.