Ultrasonic pre-treatment on the replacement of high concentration of cadmium(Ⅱ) by aluminum powder: Effect and mechanism

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal with significant recycling value. Our previous work demonstrated that ultrasonic-enhanced Cd2+ replacement by aluminum (Al) powder outperforms non-sonicated methods, yet challenges remain in treating high-concentration Cd2+ solutions. This study introduces an ultrasonic...

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Main Authors: Tian Wang, Yuanru Wang, Hongtu Ji, Yimin Zhang, Deyang Song, Phan Duc Lenh, Thiquynhxuan Le, Libo Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-08-01
Series:Ultrasonics Sonochemistry
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1350417725001853
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Summary:Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal with significant recycling value. Our previous work demonstrated that ultrasonic-enhanced Cd2+ replacement by aluminum (Al) powder outperforms non-sonicated methods, yet challenges remain in treating high-concentration Cd2+ solutions. This study introduces an ultrasonic pre-treatment for Al powder to enhance Cd2+ replacement in high-concentration solutions. The effects of pre-treatment time, temperature, pH, and ultrasonic power density on the replacement efficiency were systematically investigated. Under optimized conditions, the Cd2+ replacement degree increased by 20.7 % compared to non-pre-treated Al and 3.87 % compared to conventionally pre-treated Al, reaching 97.53 %. Ultrasound corrodes the Al powder’s oxide film, reducing its inhibition on electron release and creating a favorable atmosphere for enhanced replacement. The specific surface area of ultrasonically pre-treated Al powder increased by 35 % and 92 % compared to conventionally pre-treated and non-pre-treated Al, respectively, enhancing Cd2+ reaction. This process enables efficient treatment of higher Cd2+ concentrations (300 % increase) with lower Al powder consumption (40 % decrease), making it more suitable for industrial-scale, efficient, clean, and sustainable production.
ISSN:1350-4177