<p>The oxide film (Al/Cr/Ti oxides) is attached to the surface of the long-term service superalloy return material. In the recovery of pyrometallurgy, the oxygen element enters the regenerated superalloy with the remelting of the superalloy return material, which severely deteriorates the properties of the regenerated superalloy. This study developed an innovative electrochemical leaching technology using citric acid and sodium chloride electrolyte to remove the oxide film on the surface of GH4738 superalloy return material, ensuring regenerated material performance. The effects of current density, electrolytic time, and electrolyte concentration on the removal rate of O element are studied, the important process parameters are optimized by response surface methodology (RSM), and the mathematical model of O element for electrochemical leaching was obtained. The results indicated the optimal conditions of 3.7 A/cm² current density, 35&#xa0;min electrolytic time, and 0.45&#xa0;mol/L electrolyte concentration, achieving 99.7% oxygen (O) removal efficiency. The scanning electron microscope and energy spectrometer (SEM–EDS) data verified complete dissolution of the oxide film, exposing the underlying Ni–Co matrix. The electric field's enhancement mechanism for insoluble oxide dissolution in citric acid was elucidated. This innovative approach establishes a safe, eco-friendly process and theoretical framework for pyrometallurgical pretreatment of superalloy return material.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>