Extracting CuCl2 from used PCB etchant.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the extraction of copper chloride (CuCl2) from used PCB etchant, specifically focusing on methods to separate it from a solution that contains ferric chloride and copper. Participants explore various approaches and considerations related to the extraction process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the method to extract CuCl2 from a solution of used PCB etchant, noting that the reaction of ferric chloride with copper produces FeCl2 and CuCl2.
  • Another participant asks whether the focus is solely on recovering copper or copper chloride.
  • A later reply clarifies the interest in extracting copper chloride but also expresses a willingness to learn about recovering copper and converting it into copper chloride if direct extraction is not feasible.
  • Some participants mention the possibility of considering alternatives to ferric chloride for etching, although one participant states that ferric chloride is the most accessible option they have encountered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interests in either recovering copper or extracting copper chloride, indicating that there is no consensus on the primary focus of the extraction process. The discussion includes multiple viewpoints regarding the feasibility of different methods and alternatives.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not provide specific methods or detailed steps for extraction, and there are unresolved questions about the effectiveness of boiling or other techniques in separating CuCl2 from the solution.

physicscience
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Greetings all. I was wondering if any of you would know how exactly to extract copper chloride (CuCl2) from a solution of used pcb etchant. I know that when you react ferric chloride (the initial etchant) with copper, the products are FeCl2 and CuCl2 dissolved in a dark colored solution but how would i separate the 2 from there? I don't think boiling would help. If any of you know that would be great. Thanks.
 
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Are you interested just in recovering the copper? Or the copper chloride?
 
Bystander said:
Are you interested just in recovering the copper? Or the copper chloride?
I'm interesting in extracting the copper chloride but if that if not directly possible, I would also like to know how to recover the copper and then turn it into copper chloride.
 
Are you interested in an alternative to ferric chloride? No, I haven't tried it. http://m.instructables.com/id/Stop-using-Ferric-Chloride-etchant!--A-better-etc/
 
NascentOxygen said:
Are you interested in an alternative to ferric chloride? No, I haven't tried it. http://m.instructables.com/id/Stop-using-Ferric-Chloride-etchant!--A-better-etc/
So far, ferric chloride is the easiest obtainable etching solution I have at my disposal.
 

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