Resourceful preparation of Sb2O3 in hazardous As-Sb dust from typical lead smelter

Abstract

Hazardous arsenic antimony dust (HAAD), a perilous by-product with significant antimony and arsenic concentrations generated in lead smelters, poses a substantial environmental threat. The imperative of resource recycling and the innocuous processing of HAAD stand as prevalent challenges and pressing priorities. This study introduces an innovative vacuum vaporization-condensation technique to synthesize Sb₂O₃. ICP analysis evidenced an enhancement in the purity of the Sb₂O₃ product from an initial 73.96% to 91.35%, with a concomitant reduction in As impurities from 18.10% to 6.20%, and residual contaminants approximating 0.17% following a dual-phase vacuum process. XRD assessments affirmed the feasibility of direct Sb₂O₃ synthesis via vapor-phase migration and condensate amalgamation, achieving substantial As₂O₃ impurity diminution. SEM and EPMA observations underscored a homogenous particulate morphology in the refined Sb₂O₃. This methodology underscores its environmental compatibility, characterized by zero gaseous effluent, absence of wastewater expulsion, and elimination of reagent usage, thereby mitigating environmental detriments.