Application of cellulose acetate to the selective adsorption and recovery of Au(III)

Cellulose acetyl derivatives were examined for the selective recovery of Au(III) from acidic chloride solutions as an adsorbent, and cellulose acetate fibers (CAF) were found to be effective for the separation of Au(III) from other metal ions, including the precious metal ions Pt(IV) and Pd(II). The amount of Au(III) adsorbed by the fibers increased with an increase in the hydrochloric acid concentration, but decreased with an increase in the ionic strength of the solution. The adsorption of Au(III) onto CAF took place quickly and an adsorption equilibrium was reached within 1 h. The maximum adsorption capacity of Au(III) was determined to be 110 mg/g at 2 M hydrochloric acid. The loaded Au(III) was readily recovered by incineration.