Dissolution of Metals by AC Electrolysis

A method has been developed for dissolving noble metals and metals resistant to hydrochloric acid. This method employs the use of either half-wave or full-wave alternating current electrolysis in hydrochloric acid. The effects of the following variables on the rate of solution were investigated: acid concentration; current density; current wave form; current frequency; agitation of solution; and addition of fluoride ion. The rates of solution for cadmium, copper, gold, indium, iridium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, tantalum, and tungsten were studied.