Sustainable and green ultrasound-assisted zinc cementation for efficient removal of Cu 2+ and Cd 2+ from zinc sulfate electrolytes: mechanism, kinetics, and environmental benefits

Key Points

• This research aims to develop an eco-friendly method for efficient removal of Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺ from zinc sulfate using ultrasonic assistance.
• Introduced ultrasonic assistance in the zinc cementation process.
• Evaluated the mechanism and kinetics of metal removal.
• Assessed environmental benefits compared to traditional methods.
• Demonstrated significant Cu²⁺ removal efficiency with ultrasonic assistance (95% removal efficiency).
• Achieved Cd²⁺ removal rates exceeding 90% (p<0.01).
• Highlighted reduced toxicity by eliminating harmful additives.