Mercury removal from concentrated sulfuric acid

Research Project, 2026 – 2028

Mercury contamination in sulfuric acid from non-ferrous metal smelters poses serious environmental and health risks, with no commercial method currently available for removal once in the liquid phase. This project will develop a scalable electrochemical alloying technique to selectively remove mercury from concentrated sulfuric acid. The method has been validated in lab tests, removing more than 98% of mercury. The captured mercury can be recovered with minimal secondary waste, and electrodes are reusable. The project includes materials development and optimized electrode regeneration for industrial deployment. It addresses a global market, supports circular economy principles, and aligns with UN SDGs. The technology aims to enable cleaner industrial practices and reduce mercury emissions at the source.