Carbon Sorbent Based on Special Fine Coke for the Extraction of Gold

Abstract

The production of carbon sorbents based on special fine coke using a combination of steam and gas activation (by gas after the carbonization of Shubarkol coal with carbon dioxide and superheated water vapor) and chemical activation (by sodium hydroxide) was studied. Their textural and sorption properties were characterized. The necessity of separating the carbon and mineral parts of the special fine coke by elutriation in water was shown. The high adsorption capacity of the samples for gold ions was established (the recovery was 99.4–99.9%). The method for the production of a sorbent based on special fine coke in order to extract gold from cyanide solutions and the optimal conditions for its adsorption were recommended.