Ultrasound improves electrolytic recovery of metals.
Ultrasound has been shown to improve the cathodic current efficiency of copper electrodeposited from a dilute acidic sulphate bath and also zinc from a dilute alkaline zincate bath. Depending upon the plating parameters the metal may be plated with an enhanced value as a foil, sheet or powder. This agitation may be utilised in the recovery of metal from waste solutions and also in the recycling of acids and alkalies.
Walker
R
R
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. robert.walker@surrey.ac.uk