Zinc separation from brass dust by the Fenton process

Abstract Brass polishing facilities generate waste dust rich in zinc and copper, presenting both an economic opportunity for resource recovery and an environmental challenge. The Fenton process, a promising hydrometallurgical solution, offers a way to separate zinc from this waste dust. Researchers employed an experimental design method to identify optimal parameters for zinc dissolution, including pH, ferrous iron (Fe 2+ ) content, stirring speed, and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) concentration. Kinetic modeling identified the optimal parameters for zinc dissolution: pH 1, 0.1 M Fe 2+ , 60 rpm stirring speed, 1.0% H 2 O 2 concentration (flow rate 1 mL min −1 ), and a reaction time of 2 h. The kinetic data suggested a first‐order kinetic model, indicating a chemically controlled surface reaction mechanism. These findings demonstrate the Fenton process's effectiveness in zinc dissolution from brass dust. This paves the way for further research on zinc recovery methods, such as electrolysis for metallic zinc production or integration into chemical manufacturing processes.