Functionalization of recycled polymer and 3D printing into porous structures for selective recovery of copper from copper tailings

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2023.119664
• Publication Date: 2023-12-23T08:33:57Z
• Authors: Kosisochi Ibebunjo; Youssef El Ouardi; John Kwame Bediako; Anna Iurchenkova; Eveliina Repo
• Keywords: Langmuir adsorption model; Surface Modification; Selective adsorption; Endothermic process

Selective copper recovery from tailings reduces environmental pollution caused by mining activities and provides a valuable source of copper. Furthermore, polymer waste accumulation handling small functional materials like resins remains challenging. In this study, 3D-printed adsorbent for selective was designed functionalizing recycled with chelating resin 3D-printing using laser sintering technique. The characterized, its adsorption performance examined under varying conditions. kinetics isotherm fitted well to the pseudo-second-order Langmuir models, suggesting chemical monolayer processes. FTIR indicated coordination as possible mechanism. Thermodynamics revealed an endothermic process. demonstrated excellent Cu(II) adsorption, high selectivity towards Cu(II), reusability. This work offers promising recovery, while also addressing particle issues.