Grant: Engage Grants Program

This project aims to characterize the role metal surface crystallography on the efficiency of organic leveling agents during the electrowinning practices employed by Teck Resources Limited (based in Vancouver BC, Canada). Metals such as Cu or Zn are commonly recovered from solution by electrodeposition. At high deposition rates the surfaces are often rough unless organic leveling agents are added to the solution. These leveling agents compete for adsorption sites on the metal surface and have been shown to produce more uniform deposits. However, the nature of the metal surface crystallography may also play a role in the quality of the final product and this problem requires further characterization. This research proposal aims to address this concern through a combined approach of Lateral Force Microscopy (LFM) and Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD). The research will deliver new knowledge regarding the role of organic leveling agents in the electrowinning practices currently employed by Teck. The results may help to improve the production of high-quality metals and impact the companies profitability and longevity. These are important concerns to a company that has over 7,500 Canadian employees. Moreover, this project will provide an opportunity to train highly qualified personnel in the electrometallurgy sector.