Roasting of selenium sludge for platinum group metals enrichment

CMI researchers at Missouri S&T conducted the activity for this highlight

Innovation  
Flowsheet development for the selective separation of platinum group metals (PGMs), precious metals, and critical elements from selenium (Se) sludge.

Achievement  
Missouri S&T team roasted crude Se sludge to remove Se, concentrate PGMs, and precious elements. Results show that ~99.9% Se can be selectively removed while keeping ~100% PGMs and tellurium (Te) in the roast residue. Concentration of PGMs and Te in the roast residue increased by at least 17-fold.

Significance and Impact

  • Increase domestic production of PGMs.
  • Decrease energy consumption. 
  • Supply chain diversification.

Hub Target Addressed  
Improving the efficiency of PGM production from domestic sources.

 

bar graph shows elemental composition of crude Se (MP-AES) and other elements before roasting

 

bar graph shows elemental composition of crude Se (MP-AES) and other elements before roasting
Elemental composition of crude Se (MP-AES) and other elements before and after roasting.