Grantee Research Project Results

Electrolytic Regeneration of Acid Copper Chloride Etchant

EPA Contract Number: 68D10042
Title: 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:

Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Engineering, Chemistry, cleaner production/pollution prevention, New/Innovative technologies, electrochemical, pollution prevention, continuous etchant regeneration, electrochemical techniques, disposal, electrolytic regeneration process

Progress and Final Reports:

Final