Keywords
Abstract
This study investigates the electrochemical recycling process of WC–Co–based
hard alloy wastes. Experimental work was conducted in nitric and sulfuric acid electrolytes with
varying concentrations at 20–30 °C for 24 hours. The influence of key electrolysis parameters,
including current density, electrode distance, electrolyte concentration, and reducing salt dosage, was
examined. Results demonstrated that up to 98–99% of cobalt was successfully dissolved into the
solution, while tungsten precipitated in the form of anodic sludge. The morphology and elemental
composition of the obtained tungsten powders were analyzed using SEM and EDXRF techniques.
Comparative analysis revealed that sulfuric acid electrolytes provide higher efficiency than nitric
acid, achieving maximum sludge precipitation at 16.33% H₂SO₄ concentration and 16 g/l reducing
salt. The developed electrochemical approach offers an effective and environmentally friendly
method for recycling WC–Co hard alloy wastes and recovering valuable metals for reuse in industrial
applications.