USE OF SURFACTANTS IN METAL EXTRACTION

摘要

The invention relates to an aqueous sulfuric acid-containing composition for use in extracting metals from metal-congaing materials. The sulfuric acid-containing composition comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant, which is present in a concentration of from 0.1 to 0.3% by weight in a 2% strength aqueous H2SO4 solution, and, at 23°C, leads to a reduction in the contact angle on glass after 1 second by at least 10°, wherein the composition has a contact angel on glass of less than 40°. Related methods, processes, and uses involving the composition in the extraction of metals are also disclosed.