Cyclic voltammetry and potentiodynamic polarization studies of chalcopyrite concentrate in glycine medium

Cyclic voltammetry and potentiodynamic polarization analyses were utilized to investigate the mechanism and kinetics of glycine leaching reactions for chalcopyrite. The effects of pH (9–12), temperature (30–90 °C) and glycine concentration (0–2 mol/L) on corrosion current density, corrosion potential and cyclic voltammograms were investigated using chalcopyrite concentrate–carbon paste electrodes. Results showed that an increase in the glycine concentration from 0 to 2 mol/L led to an increased oxidation peak current density. Under the same conditions, corrosion current density was found to change from approximately 28 to 89 μA/cm whereas corrosion potential was decreased from –80 to –130 mV. Elevated temperatures enhanced the measured current densities up to 60 °C; however, above this level, current density was observed to decrease. A similar current density behavior was determined with pH. A pH change from 9 to 10.5 resulted in an increase in current density and pH higher than 10.5 gave rise to a reduced current density. In addition, the thermodynamic stability of copper and iron oxides was found to increase at higher temperatures.