Iridium-rhodium alloy is an alloy composed of iridium and rhodium, which has excellent properties such as high melting point, high hardness and high corrosion resistance, and is widely used in aerospace, chemical, medical, electronics and other fields. However, iridium-reodium alloys are scarce and the mining and refining processes have a significant impact on the environment. Therefore, the use of iridium and rhodium alloy scrap is not only a way to save resources and reduce costs, but also an option to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development.
At present, there are two main methods of iridium and rhodium alloy: fire method and wet method. The fire method is to separate the iridium and rhodium alloy from other metals or impurities by means of high-temperature smelting, incineration, roasting, etc., and then dissolve and purify it with acid or alkali to obtain iridium and rhodium powder with high purity. The advantages of the pyrotechnic method are that it is highly efficient, it can process solid iridium-rhodium alloy scrap, and it can obtain finer iridium-rhodium powder, which is convenient for subsequent processing. The disadvantage of the fire method is that it requires high-temperature equipment, consumes a lot of energy, and produces harmful exhaust gases and waste residues, which cause pollution to the environment.
The wet method is to separate the iridium and rhodium ions in the solution from other metals or impurities by chemical treatment, extraction, precipitation, adsorption, etc., and then reduce them with reducing agent or electrolysis to obtain iridium and rhodium metal with high purity. The advantages of the wet process are that it is easy to operate, does not require high-temperature equipment, and can process liquid iridium and rhodium alloy waste liquid, and can achieve selective separation of iridium and rhodium to improve purity. The disadvantages of the wet process are that it is inefficient, requires multiple reactions and separations, and consumes a large number of chemicals and increases costs.
Whether it is fire or wet, the first class of iridium and rhodium alloy needs to consider both environmental and economic factors, not only to ensure the best effect and quality, but also to reduce the impact on the environment and cost input. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously optimize and innovate the best process to improve the efficiency and purity of the first process, while reducing energy consumption and pollution, and realizing the recycling of resources and the sustainable development of the environment.