How does ion exchange and chemical precipitation, used to remove metal ions, compare with electrolytic cell or reactors?
Both ion exchange and chemical precipitation are well-established unit operations, each with its own individual strengths and applications. However, these processes essentially only lead to a precipitated salt or another metal ion solution of increased concentration that, depending on the circumstances, require a variety of additional steps (and costs) to handle the metal ions. The performance of the high surface area cathode used in the RenoCell now adds this electrolytic cell to the choices available to the companies with metal wastes problems. The major advantage of RenoCell-based processes is that the metal can be removed to below PPM levels and recovered directly, in its most valuable form? solid metal.
