Preparation of anion exchange membrane based on block copolymers. Part II: the effect of the formation of macroreticular structure on the membrane properties

The anion exchange membrane was prepared by conducting the formation of macroreticular structure and the introduction of ion exchange groups to the chloromethylated copolymers simultaneously. The membrane properties are summarized below; 0.9–1.4 Ω cm² for area resistivity in 2 M KCl aqueous solution, 1.46–3.7 meq/g-dry-resin for the ion exchange capacity and 0.68–0.87 for the static transport number. The membrane properties of the membrane prepared by forming the macroreticular structure and the introduction of the ion exchange groups to the chloromethylated copolymers simultaneously (B membrane) had higher performance than that of the membrane prepared by the amination of the chloromethylated copolymers (A membrane). It would be expected that the formation of macroreticular structure in the membrane has an effect on the membrane properties. The chemical stability of B membrane which was determined by the oxidative degradation in 2 M nitric acid, had long lifetime with almost the same value of the area resistivity and ion exchange capacity as before durability test.     

Fixed-bed study for adsorptive removal of furfural by activated carbon

In our previous study [A.K. Sahu, V.C. Srivastava, I.D. Mall, D.H. Latye, Sep. Sci. Technol. 43 (5) (2008) 1239], commercial grade activated carbon (ACC) was used for adsorptive removal of furfural from aqueous solution using batch studies. In the present study, continuous fixed-bed adsorption was carried out in ACC packed bed for the removal of furfural from aqueous solution. The effects of important factors namely bed height (Z = 15–60 cm), influent concentration of furfural (C_o = 50–200 mg/l), the flow rate (Q = 0.02–0.04 l/min) and column diameter (D = 2–4 cm) were studied. Capacity of the bed to adsorb furfural was found to increase with an increase in the value of Z, C_o and D; and with decrease in the value of Q. Adams–Bohart, Bed-Depth Service-Time, Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, Clark and Wolborska models were applied to the experimental data for the prediction of the breakthrough point, and to determine the characteristic parameters of the column. Error analysis showed that the Yoon–Nelson model best described the experimental breakthrough curve, while Wolborska model showed good prediction of breakthrough curve for the relative concentration region up to 0.5.     

Energy-saving seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production

The change in the polarization potentials of anode and cathode due to pH change on electrode surfaces during galvanostatic polarization was examined in 0.5 M NaCl solutions of different pH. On the basis of these results, feeding of the anolyte after oxygen evolution to the cathode compartment for hydrogen production was examined for energy-saving seawater electrolysis. This was assumed to prevent the occurrence of a large pH difference on cathode and anode in electrolysis of neutral solution if sufficient H⁺ is permeated through the membrane. The cell performance was examined using Nafion 115 or Selemion HSF membranes for separation of anode and cathode compartments. The permeation fraction of H⁺ with Nafion 115 was 45–65% in 0.5 M NaCl and was about 90% in 0.25 M Na₂SO₄. These values were smaller than 97% necessary for prevention of the occurrence of pH difference on cathode and anode. The permeation fraction of H⁺ with Selemion HSF became more than 97% during electrolysis of 0.025 M Na₂SO₄, and the cell voltage was kept at low values. These results indicate the effectiveness of our seawater feeding system if the 97% H⁺ permeation fraction through the membrane is attained. Contribution to the Fall Meeting of the European Materials Research Society, Symposium D: 9th International Symposium on Electrochemical/Chemical Reactivity of Metastable, Warsaw, 17th-21st September, 2007.     

UV/TiO2 photodegradation of metronidazole,ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole in aqueous solution: An optimization and kinetic study

Emerging pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) like sulfamethoxazole (SMX), metronidazole (MNZ) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) are biopersistent and toxic to the environment and public health. In this study, UV/TiO₂ photodegradation was applied in the degradation of SMX, MNZ and CIP individually and in a mixture. For a 5 mg/L SMX solution, about 97% of SMX was degraded within 360 min, which was reduced to 80% for 80 mg/L of SMX solution at the same TiO₂ dosage and photodegradation time. The maximum removals of MNZ and CIP as individual components were 100% and 89%, respectively at 600 min of photodegradation reaction time. For binary mixtures, the highest removal (100%) was achieved for MNZ and CIP ([MNZ] = [CIP] = 40 mg/L) mixture at 120 min whereas the degradations were 97% and 96% for SMX and MNZ, and SMX and CIP binary mixtures, respectively, even after 600 min of experimental time at the same concentrations. For tertiary mixture, the maximum degradation 99% was observed for (SMX = CIP] = 20 mg/L and [MNZ] = [40 mg/L) at 600 min. The observed reaction rate was 0.01085 min^?1 when SMX concentration was 5 mg/L, which decreased to 0.00501 min^?1 for SMX concentration of 80 mg/L, indicating decreasing of reaction rate at higher concentration. The results indicate that the UV/TiO₂ process is promising to apply for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewaters.     

Simultaneous separation and determination of thallium in water samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

An analytical method for separation and determination of thallium species in water using high‐performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was developed. The composition and concentration of mobile phase, injection volume, and pH value were optimized respectively with an anion or cation exchange column. The results showed that Tl(I) and Tl(III) were effectively separated using anion exchange column Hamilton PRP‐X100, with the mobile phase consisting of 200 mmol/L ammonium acetate and 10 mmol/L diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (pH = 4.2). When using a Dionex cation exchange guard column, CS12A, 15 mmol/L HNO₃, and 3 mmol/L diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid as the mobile phase, Tl(I) and Tl(III) could be effectively separated. The detection limits of the methods were 3–6 and 9–12 ng/L, respectively. In a solution containing Fe ions and oxalic acid, a significant quantity of Tl(I) was oxidized. Fe ions and oxalic acid in the water samples did not interfere with high‐performance liquid chromatography‐inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry measurement results.     

Optimization of multiple parameters for treatment of coking wastewater using Fenton oxidation

Present study deals with the treatment of coking wastewater (CWW) using Fenton oxidation process for the degradation of pollutants containing chemical oxygen demand (COD), phenol and cyanide. The experiments were performed in batch mode to study the effect of operating parameters like initial pH (pH_i), temperature (T), oxidant H₂O₂ amount, catalyst mass loading (Cw) and treatment time (t_R). The response surface methodology (RSM) gave optimum value of pH, H₂O₂, Cw and t_R as 3, 0.3 M, 1.85 g/L (0.0266 M) and 1.52 h. At this optimum operating condition maximum 84.66% COD, 88.46% phenol and 79.34% cyanide reduction were achieved from initial value of COD (COD_i) = 2810.0 mg/L, phenol_i = 283.0 mg/L and cyanide_i = 18.88 mg/L. Results reflect that Fenton oxidation is an effective process for the reduction of pollutants present in CWW. The CWW treated by Fenton oxidation having average value COD = 590.0 mg/L, phenol = 39.49 mg/L and cyanide = 5.2 mg/L was further treated by adsorption process as second stage treatment, and these values were reached to COD = 199.0 mg/L, phenol = 0.0 mg/L and cyanide = 2.36 mg/L. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the designing and optimization of the experiments. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) suggested the high regression coefficient R² = 0.999 and 0.993 for COD and phenol removal respectively. The two stage treated CWW can be recycled and reused in same industry for various purpose.     

Controlling the diffusion of micro-volume Pb solution on hydrophobic polyurethane membrane for quantitative analysis using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

This work reports a novel controlling mechanism of analyte diffusion in a micro volume solution (100 μL) into a hydrophobic membrane. This study was designed to facilitate the liquid–solid conversion using membrane for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in quantitatively analyzing aqueous lead (Pb) pollutant. Herein, we used the same analyte (Pb) solution applied on one side of the membrane (back side) to enhance the diffusion of the analyte administered from the other side (front side). The membrane was confirmed hydrophobic with contact angles ranged from 104.6°±1.3° to 106.28°±1.7°, where its morphology had smooth surface and randomly distributed small pores. We found the limit of detection (LOD) to reach 184.2 mg/L derived from a calibration curve with Pb I (405.7 nm) line intensity as the dependent variable, where the root-mean-square-errors (RMSE) and correlation (R²) were 1.08 M and 0.999, respectively. In comparison, the membrane back side with distilled water achieved LOD as low as 134.53 mg/L obtained from the similar calibration curve (RMSE = 5.8 M; R² = 0.986). Further analysis using the LIBS spectra confirmed the role of the analyte ion on the back side of the membrane in enhancing the analyte diffusion.     

Application of nanostructure ZnLI2 complex in construction of optical pH sensor

This is for the first time that application of complex nanostructure is reported as pH indicator in PVC matrix. This new optical pH sensor was constructed based on incorporation of ZnLI₂ complex nanostructure in PVC matrix. The synthesized nanostructure ZnLI₂ complex was characterized by SEM and XRD technique. The membrane solution was speared on the glass plate to provide thin film and the membrane surface morphology was investigated via field emission scanning microscope (FE‐SEM) technique. Central composite design (CCD) combined with desirability function (DF) was applied to find the best experimental composition of membrane providing the highest absorbance. These conditions were found in correspondence with 3 mg of pH indicator, 3 mg of ionic additive and 1.5 mg/mg of DBP/PVC weight ratio. Under optimum conditions, the proposed pH sensor has two linear working ranges of 4 ‐ 8 at 393 nm (R² = 0.9897) and 5 ‐ 8 (R² = 0.9982) at 570 nm with response time of 4 min. The pK_a of proposed pH optical sensor was calculated through three methods that found to be 5.63. The present optical sensor shows stability after 2 months without any significant divergence in response properties (less than 5% RSD). Furthermore, current pH optode was exhibited good repeatability (RSD = 1.14%) as well as reproducibility (RSD = 4.06%). No significant variation was observed on sensor response with increasing the ionic strength in the range of 0.0–0.5 M of sodium chloride. All above features indicated that the proposed sensor can be successfully used for detection of pH in solutions with different ionic strength.     

Synthesis,characterization and batch assessment of groundwater fluoride removal capacity of trimetal Mg/Ce/Mn oxide-modified diatomaceous earth

In this study, trimetal Mg/Ce/Mn oxide-modified diatomaceous earth (DE) was synthesized at optimal conditions. Comparison of the SEM images and the results of EDX analyses of the raw and the modified DE confirmed the surface modification of the raw DE with the trimetal oxide. Groundwater fluoride removal capacity of the sorbent was evaluated by batch method at various defluoridation conditions. At a sorbent dosage of 0.6 g/100 mL (contact time: 60 min, mixing speed of 200 rpm and temperature: 297 K), the fluoride removal was >93% for solutions containing initial fluoride concentration of 10–60 mg/L. Sorbent’s optimum fluoride uptake capacity was 12.63 mg/g at the initial fluoride concentration of 100 mg/L. Fluoride removal was >91% for solutions with initial pH range of ∼4–11 (initial fluoride concentration: 9 mg/L, sorbent dosage: 0.6 g/100 mL). Appraisal of the effect of co-existing anions on fluoride removal showed that CO₃²⁻ would reduce the amount of fluoride removed from solution, while other anions such as PO₄³⁻, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻ had no observable effect. K₂SO₄ solution was found to be most suitable for regeneration of spent Mg/Ce/Mn oxide-modified DE compared to Na₂CO₃ and NaOH. The mechanism of fluoride removal at pH > 5.45 (pHpzc = 5.45) occurred by exchange of hydroxyl groups on surface of sorbent with fluoride ions from solution. Sorption data fitted better to Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order model. External diffusion was observed to be the sorption rate limiting factor.     

Influence of the external electric field distribution on α-Ni(OH)2 electrochemical-synthesis from a NiCl2 solution

Electrolytic systems of a symmetric, an asymmetric and a two-compartment were established in the present work to investigate the effect of the external electric field distribution on α-Ni(OH)₂ electrochemical-synthesis from a NiCl₂ solution. Results demonstrate the sample particle size increased in the order of symmetric, two-compartment and asymmetric systems, with a sharpened diffraction peak of the (1 0 1), (0 1 5) and (1 1 0) plane, and a broadened diffraction peak of (0 0 3) plane. However, the reversibility of the redox reactions and the energy transferred in the redox reactions in the electrodes assembled by the samples from the three electrolytic systems increased based on the contrary order. In terms of the electrolysis process, the energy consumption per unit mass increased in the order of symmetric, two-compartment and asymmetric systems. The catholyte pH for both symmetric and asymmetric systems were more stable than that for the two-compartment system. The external electric filed distribution affected the transportation of Ni²⁺ from the anolyte to the catholyte. At the end of electrolysis, the Ni²⁺ concentration in the anolyte of two-compartment system was obviously higher than that of symmetric and asymmetric systems.     

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry study of hydrogen–deuterium exchange reactions of volatile hydrides of As,Sb, Bi,Ge and Sn in aqueous media

The H–D exchange processes in MH_n or MD_n hydrides (M = As, Sb, Bi, n = 3; M = Ge, Sn, n = 4) taking place when they are in contact with H₂O or D₂O solution at different pH or pD values (interval of pH = [0,13]) have been investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). MH_n or MD_n compounds were injected into the headspace of reaction vials (4–12 ml) containing 1–2 ml of buffered solution maintained under stirring or shaking conditions. The isotopic composition of the gaseous phase hydrides/deuterides was determined at regular intervals in the range of time 0–15 min. The MH_n or MD_n compounds were synthesized in separate vials and their purity was checked separately before injection into the reaction vials. The mass spectra were deconvoluted in order to estimate the relative abundance of each species formed following the H–D exchange process (AsH_nD_3−n , SbH_nD_3−n, BiH_nD_3−n, n = 0–3; GeH_nD_4−n, SnH_nD_4−n, n = 0–4) and the relative abundance of H and D. In the investigated pH (or pD) interval arsanes and stibanes undergo H–D exchange in alkaline media for pH > 7. No H–D exchange was detected for the other hydrides, where the prevailing process is their decomposition in the aqueous phase. A reaction model, based on the formation of protonated or deprotonated intermediates is proposed for H–D exchange of MH_n or MD_n compounds placed in contact with H₂O or D₂O at different pH or pD values. The H–D exchange in the already formed hydrides can be source of the interference in mechanistic studies on hydride formation performed using labeled reagents; no H–D exchange was detected within the following pH intervals that can be considered free from interference: arsanes pH = [0,7), stibanes pH = [0,7), bismuthanes, germanes and stannanes pH = [0,13].     

Bismuth Film Electrodes for Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Sunset Yellow FCF in Soft Drinks

The bismuth film electrode was used to record well‐developed voltammograms of azo food coloring Sunset Yellow FCF (SY). The employed Bi(III)/HClO₄ plating solutions produced very adhesive and mechanically stable films that were applied in both stationary and flow conditions. The influence of the dimensions of the glassy carbon support, plating solution concentration and potential was discussed. The sensitivity of SWV was sufficient to obtain a linear calibration curve for low concentration levels of SY (below 0.1 mg/L; LOD=1 µg/L, linear range 4.4–87 µg/L). The measurements in a flow system were considered as a tool for the determination of relatively high concentrations (>1 mg/L; LOD=300 µg/L, linear range 300–8800 µg/L) of SY.     

Simultaneous electrodeposition behavior of dysprosium and terbium in 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid

The simultaneous electrodeposition of dysprosium and terbium on platinum electrode in 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIMBF₄) ionic liquid was investigated. The cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and constant electrolysis experiments have been employed to examine the electrochemistry of dysprosium and terbium ions in 0.01 mol/L DyCl₃-0.023 mol/L TbCl₃-0.27 mol/L LiCl-EMIMBF₄ ionic liquid. The electrochemistry experiments indicated that the reduction of dysprosium and terbium ions in 0.01 mol/L DyCl₃-0.023 mol/L TbCl₃-0.27 mol/L LiCl-EMIMBF₄ ionic liquid was an irreversible process and simultaneous process. In 0.01 mol/L DyCl₃-0.023 mol/L TbCl₃-0.27 mol/L LiCl-EMIMBF₄ ionic liquid the diffusion coefficient of the diffusion process of species which controlled the total electrochemical reduction process have been determined to be (3.79–7.07) × 10⁻⁶ cm²/s from cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry results. XRD spectrum of constant electrolysis samples showed that dysprosium and terbium deposits were obtained.     

Recovery of H2SO4 from wastewater in the presence of NaCl and KHCO3 through pH responsive polysulfone membrane: Optimization approach

Through the phase inversion technique, asymmetric flat sheet pH-responsive Polysulfone (PSF) membrane was prepared and utilized for recovering H₂SO₄ in the presence of NaCl and KHCO₃ from wastewater. Hydrophilic and pH-responsive characteristics were incorporated within the membrane by blending Polyethylene glycol methyl ether (PEGME) and Humic acid (HA). The modification in membrane morphology with pH was characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Studies (FTIR) method. The ion exchange capacity of the prepared pH-responsive membrane increased from 0.145 to 0.25 mmol/g when compared to the pristine PSF membrane. Pure water flux (PWF) of 113.8–46.8 L/m²h, water uptake of 25.9%–6.8% were obtained for pH-responsive membrane when pH varied from 4 to 12. Recovery of H₂SO₄ was optimized by design expert software 9.0 TRIAL and was found to be a maximum of 76.57 ± 1.5% in the presence of 0.32 M NaCl and 0.5 M KHCO₃ at pH ~8.4, through the pH-responsive PSF membrane by diffusion dialysis process. The influencing parameters (pH, NaCl (M) and KHCO₃ (M)) were optimized and acid recovery modeling was performed through response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD). F value of 6573.40 through ANOVA study indicated the significance of the quadratic model chosen, whereas an insignificant lack of fit (prob > F = 0.0519) confirmed the goodness of fit between the model and obtained experimental data's.     

Evaluation of the stability of ethanol in water certified reference material: measurement uncertainty under transport and storage conditions

This study simulated the transport and storage conditions of ethanol in water certified reference material (CRM) produced by the Chemical Metrology Division of Inmetro—DQUIM with the purpose of estimating the measurement uncertainty related to stability. The short-term stability study was performed on five different mass fractions (w) in terms of mg ethanol/g solution of the ethanol in water CRM. The nominal values are w = 0.5, 0.9, 1.1, 3.8 and 4.6 mg/g, at temperatures of 4 and 60 °C. On the other hand, the long-term stability study was developed on four different mass fractions (nominal values): w = 0.5, 0.9, 1.1 and 4.6 mg/g, at a temperature of 20 °C. This paper will show the data from the long-term stability study that took place over 52 weeks. The method used complies with ISO Guide 35, the BCR Guideline for Feasibility Studies and ISO Guide 34. According to the statistical parameters used in both studies, the stability of ethanol in water CRM was confirmed for all of the mass fractions studied.     

Simultaneous determination of 13 carbohydrates using high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection and mass spectrometry

A simple, accurate, and highly sensitive method was developed for the determination of 13 carbohydrates in polysaccharide of Spirulina platensis based on high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection and mass spectrometry. Samples were extracted with deionized water using ultrasonic‐assisted extraction, and the ultrasound‐assisted extraction conditions were optimized by Box–Behnken design. Then the extracted polysaccharide was hydrolyzed by adding 1 mol/L trifluoroacetic acid before determination by high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection and confirmed by high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection method was performed on a CarboPac PA20 column by gradient elution using deionized water, 0.1 mol/L sodium hydroxide solution, and 0.4 mol/L sodium acetate solution. Excellent linearity was observed in the range of 0.05–10 mg/L. The average recoveries ranged from 80.7 to 121.7%. The limits of detection and limits of quantification for 13 carbohydrates were 0.02–0.10 and 0.2–1.2  μg/kg, respectively. The developed method has been successfully applied to ambient samples, and the results indicated that high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection and mass spectrometry could provide a rapid and accurate method for the simultaneous determination of carbohydrates.     

Design,synthesis, insecticidal,and acaricidal activities of novel pyrimidinamine derivatives containing a biphenyl ether

A series of original pyrimidinamine derivatives containing a biphenyl ether moiety were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by ¹H NMR, MS, and elemental analyses. Their insecticidal activities against lepidopteran and hemiptera insects and acaricidal activities were tested. The results of bioassay demonstrated that 9k showed the best activity (LC₅₀ = 2.08 mg/L) against Tetranychus urticae, which is comparable with the positive control, spirotetramat (LC₅₀ = 2.27 mg/L), and 9g showed better activity (LC₅₀ = 0.52 mg/L) against Aphis fabae than the positive control, imidacloprid (LC₅₀ = 1.02 mg/L), and relatively good activity (LC₅₀ = 2.49 mg/L) against T urticae. Their structure‐activity relationships indicated that both an ethyl group on the 4‐position of the pyrimidine ring and alkyl chain as a para‐substituent group of the benzene ring showed good biological activity.     

Application of polysulfone (PSf)– and polyether ether ketone (PEEK)–tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) composite membranes for water electrolysis

The ion exchange membrane using polysulfone (PSf) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) as a basic material was prepared to apply in the polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis (PEME). The sulfonated block copolymer of PSf and poly(phenylene sulfide sulfone) (SPSf-co-PPSS) and the sulfonated PEEK (SPEEK) were blended with tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) to avoid water swelling at elevated temperatures led to decrease in mechanical strength. These prepared ion exchange membranes showed some interesting characteristics including physicochemical stabilities, mechanical and membrane properties.The prepared ion exchange membrane was utilized to prepare the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). MEA consisted of Pt/PEM/Pt was prepared by equilibrium and non-equilibrium impregnation–reduction (I–R) methods. The prepared MEA by non-equilibrium I–R method was used in the PEME unit cell. The cell voltages of the MEA using SPSf-co-PPSS/TPA and SPEEK/TPA membranes were 1.83 V and 1.90 V at 1 A/cm² and 80 °C, with platinum loadings of 1.12 and 1.01 mg/cm², respectively.     

Realization of an Asymmetric Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Battery through Molecular Design to Minimize Active Species Crossover and Decomposition

This communication presents a mechanism-based approach to identify organic electrolytes for non-aqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs). Symmetrical flow cell cycling of a pyridinium anolyte and a cyclopropenium catholyte resulted in extensive capacity fade due to competing decomposition of the pyridinium species. Characterization of this decomposition pathway enabled the rational design of next-generation anolyte/catholyte pairs with dramatically enhanced cycling performance. Three factors were identified as critical for slowing capacity fade: (1) separating the anolyte–catholyte in an asymmetric flow cell using an anion exchange membrane (AEM); (2) moving from monomeric to oligomeric electrolytes to limit crossover through the AEM; and (3) removing the basic carbonyl moiety from the anolyte to slow the protonation-induced decomposition pathway. Ultimately, these modifications led to a novel anolyte–catholyte pair that can be cycled in an AEM-separated asymmetric RFB for 96 h with >95 % capacity retention at an open circuit voltage of 1.57 V.     

Regeneration by Membrane Electrolysis of an Etching Solution Based on Copper Chloride

Regeneration of an acid solution for copper etching, based on copper(II) chloride, hydrochloric acid, and ammonium chloride, by membrane electrolysis was studied. The concentrations of copper(I, II) ions in the cathode and anode spaces, current efficiency, degree of copper recovery, and specific consumption of electric power at different quantities of electricity passed through the electrolyzer were measured. The influence exerted by the current density on the electric power expenditure for recovery of metallic copper was examined. The anode current efficiency by chlorine was determined with a spent etching solution and an H₂SO₄ solution used as anolyte.