Application of Nanocatalysts in Base Metal Leaching: Laboratory Advances, Industrial Challenges, and Sustainable Prospects

The integration of nanocatalysts in base metal leaching processes has emerged as a promising approach to enhance extraction efficiency while addressing environmental concerns. This comprehensive review examines recent laboratory advances in nanocatalyst-assisted leaching, evaluates industrial implementation challenges, and explores sustainable prospects for future development. Nanocatalysts, including metal oxides, supported noble metals, and hybrid nanostructures, have demonstrated significant improvements in leaching kinetics, selectivity, and recovery rates for copper, zinc, nickel, and other base metals. Laboratory studies consistently show ۱۵-۴۰% enhancement in extraction efficiency and ۲۰-۶۰% reduction in processing time compared to conventional methods. However, industrial adoption faces substantial challenges including catalyst stability under harsh conditions, recovery and reuse complications, economic feasibility concerns, and complex scale-up requirements. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of current state-of-the-art nanocatalyst systems, identifies key technological gaps, and proposes strategic directions for sustainable implementation in industrial base metal processing operations worldwide.

کلیدواژه ها:

nanocatalysts ، base metal leaching ، extraction efficiency ، industrial challenges ، sustainability ، metallurgical processes