Grantee Research Project Results
Electrolytic Regeneration of Acid Copper Chloride Etchant
EPA Contract Number: 68D10042Title: Electrolytic Regeneration of Acid Copper Chloride Etchant
Investigators: Oxley, James E.
Small Business: Oxley Research Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1991 through March 1, 1992
Project Amount: $49,985
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1991) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Pollution Prevention , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
The proposal concerns development of an electrolytic process for the on-line regeneration of acid cupric chloride etching baths. Chemical regeneration on a batch basis is generally practiced today, utilizing chlorine and/or hydrogen peroxide to re-oxidize the Cu+, formed by the etching process, back to Cu2+. These processes suffer the disadvantage of resulting in a net increase in solution inventory which must be disposed. Strong environmental and cost incentives exist for development of an efficient electrolytic regeneration process. Phase I will comprise the construction and operation of a flow loop to demonstrate continuous etchant regeneration, maintaining steady state concentra- tions of CuC12, CuC1 and HC1, with avoidance of the parasitic electrochemical reactions of chlorine and hydro- gen evolution. At the same time, cathodically generated copper metal will be extracted from the system, balancing that consumed in the etching process.Supplemental Keywords:
Scientific Discipline, Sustainable Industry/Business, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Chemistry, Technology for Sustainable Environment, New/Innovative technologies, Engineering, waste reduction, continuous etchant regeneration, electrochemical techniques, electrolytic regeneration process, electrochemical, pollution preventionProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.