| Abstract Scope |
Tungsten, a strategic metal with diverse industrial, military, and technological applications, is commonly used in electrical contacts, armour-piercing tools, and cutting instruments. This study focuses on recovering valuable metals from hard tungsten-copper (W-Cu) composite scrap using a novel electrolyte composed of sol-ammonic and mineral acids. Copper was selectively recovered through electrodeposition on a titanium cathode, with the W-Cu scrap serving as the anode in contact with a graphite rod. The process was optimized by varying electrolyte composition, current density (2–4 A/m²), electrode spacing, and current efficiency. After copper recovery, the remaining W-rich scrap underwent oxidation in air at 600–900 °C for 60–240 minutes, yielding high-purity tungsten oxide. The recovered copper powder (99.9% purity) and tungsten oxide (99.5% purity) were characterized using SEM, TEM, and XRD, confirming commercial-grade quality. This two-step method presents an efficient and sustainable approach for reclaiming high-purity metals from W-Cu composite waste. |