Mechanism and Kinetic Analysis of Ultrasonic Cavitation-Assisted Ozone Dissolution of Copper

A new method has been proposed to address the slow dissolution rate of copper, which utilizes the synergy of ultrasonic waves and ozone (O₃) to leach metallic copper. The study investigated the impact of ultrasound power, O₃ flow rate, initial copper ion (Cu²⁺) concentration, sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) concentration, and reaction temperature on copper dissolution rate. Optimal reaction condition was determined and under such condition, copper dissolution rate could reach 23.61 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹, which is 1.46 times higher than that without ultrasonic (16.07 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹). Analysis of the experimental data revealed that the dissolution process, with and without ultrasound, both follow the unreacted nucleus model, which are controlled by chemical reactions. Ultrasound treatment reduced the apparent activation energy of copper dissolution from 46.79 to 28.83 kJ mol⁻¹. This reduction indicates that ultrasound can lower the potential barrier of copper dissolution and accelerate the reaction through strong mechanical and cavitation effects. The ultrasonic ozone-enhanced copper dissolution technology has significant implications for optimizing copper leaching processes and comprehensive recovery of copper.