Gold Recovery from Gold Plated Pins Using Salt by Electrolysis Methods

Gold is a valuable and sought-after metal, which has been used for centuries in jewelry, currency, and various industrial applications. However, extracting gold from its ores and refining it into a pure form can be a complex and expensive process. One way to obtain gold is by recovering it from electronic waste, specifically from golden pins found in computer processors, which contain a small amount of gold. In this article, we will explore how to recover gold from golden pins using salt and electrolysis.

Materials needed:

• Golden pins
  
  
• Table salt (NaCl)
• Water (H2O)
• Stainless steel or graphite electrodes
• DC power supply (e.g., a battery charger)
• Glass beaker or container
• Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.)

Step 1: Prepare the salt solution

To recover gold from golden pins using electrolysis, we need a salt solution as an electrolyte. Dissolve table salt (NaCl) in water (H2O) to make a solution with a concentration of about 10% by weight. For example, to make 1 liter of salt solution, mix 100 grams of table salt with 900 milliliters of water.

Step 2: Set up the electrolysis cell

Fill a glass beaker or container with the salt solution and place two electrodes in it. The electrodes can be made of stainless steel or graphite, and they should be positioned about an inch apart from each other. Connect the negative electrode (cathode) to the negative terminal of the power supply and the positive electrode (anode) to the positive terminal. Make sure the electrodes are not touching each other.

Step 3: Prepare the golden pins

Remove the golden pins from computer processors or other electronic devices. The pins should be cleaned and stripped of any plastic or other non-metallic materials. You can use sandpaper or a file to remove any remaining residue.

Step 4: Start the electrolysis

Place the golden pins into the salt solution, making sure they are fully submerged and not touching each other or the electrodes. Turn on the power supply and adjust the voltage to around 5 volts. You should see bubbles forming on the surface of the electrodes and the pins.

Step 5: Wait for the process to complete

The electrolysis process will take some time to complete, usually several hours to a day or more. During this time, the gold will gradually dissolve into the salt solution and collect on the cathode. The pins will become thinner as the gold is removed from them.

Step 6: Collect the gold

After the process is complete, turn off the power supply and remove the electrodes and pins from the salt solution. Rinse them with water to remove any remaining salt solution. The gold will be visible on the surface of the cathode as a thin layer. You can carefully remove the gold with a scraper or tweezers and transfer it to a container for further refining.

In conclusion, recovering gold from golden pins using salt and electrolysis is a relatively simple and inexpensive process that can be done at home with basic equipment. However, it is important to take safety precautions and handle the chemicals and equipment with care. With some patience and persistence, you can obtain a valuable and precious metal that can be used for various purposes.

Gold Recovery from Gold Plated Pins Using Salt by Electrolysis Methods