Effect of APMImBr ionic liquid on the migration of silver in copper electrorefining

As the grade of copper concentrate decreases and its composition becomes increasingly complex, the silver content in the anode plate casting after fire refining increases. This leads to a high silver content in the copper cathode during electrorefining and a substantial loss of precious metals. This study investigated the effect of 1-aminopropyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (APMImBr) ionic liquid on the migration of silver during high-silver anode plate electrorefining. The results show that APMImBr is adsorbed on the anode surface by reacting with Ag⁺ released from the anode to form AgBr precipitates, thereby preventing Ag⁺ ions from entering the electrolyte. Simultaneously, agglomerates of fine Ag–Se compounds and AgBr particles form, resulting in anode slime particles that are sufficiently large to settle quickly to the bottom of the cell, thus inhibiting fine silver-containing particles from adhering to the cathode. Furthermore, APMImBr adsorbs onto the cathode surface, forming CuBr intermediates and inhibiting Cu²⁺ electrodeposition. This facilitates the refinement of the surface grains and flattens the copper cathode surface. The Ag content of the cathode decreased continuously as the concentration of APMImBr increased. The Ag content of the cathode decreased by 41.67% from 6.0 ppm (no additives) to 3.5 ppm upon the addition of the optimal concentration of 300 mg/L of APMImBr.