LAB REPORT

CEMENTATION
Abdulla Samin MV
14449

Aim
To study the process of cementation by extracting copper from its solution CuSO4 in H2O
and determine its concentration of CU2+ with lime using atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Material Required
CuSO40 solution, 10N H2SO4
Dropper, Beaker, Pipette
Magnetic Bead Stirrer
Eppendorf, Iron Plate
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Setup

Theory
Cementation is a type of precipitation, a heterogeneous process in which ions are reduced to
zero valence at a solid metallic interface. The process is often used to refine leach solutions.
Cementation of copper is a common example. Copper ions in solution, often from an ore
leaching process, are precipitated out of solution in the presence of solid iron. The iron
oxidizes, and the copper ions are reduced through the transfer of electrons. The reaction is
spontaneous because copper is higher on the galvanic series than iron.
Cu2+(aq) + Fe(s) → Cu(s) + Fe2+(aq)

The concentration of Cu in the solution is measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is a technique in which free gaseous atoms absorb
electromagnetic radiation at a specific wavelength to produce a measurable signal. The
absorption signal is proportional to the concentration of those free absorbing atoms in the
optical path. Therefore, for AAS measurements, the analyte must be first converted into
gaseous atoms, usually by application of heat to a cell called atomizer. The atoms should then
be irradiated by optical radiation. The radiation then passes through a monochromator in
order to separate the element-specific radiation from any other radiation emitted by the
radiation source, which is finally measured by a detector. The concentration of Cu in the
analyte is calculated from its absorbance using the Beer Lambert Law:
A = εlC
where,
A: Absorbance
ε: Molar absorptivity of the solution
C: Concentration of the solution
l: Optical path length

Procedure:
Step 1: A beaker of capacity 1 liter was filled with 500 mL of DI water.
Step 2: 0.5 grams i.e. 500 mg of CuSO4 was then added to the beaker and mixed well.
Step 3: A magnetic bead was added to the solution and stirring was started.
Step 4: 2-3 drops of 10N H2SO4 was added to the solution to prevent precipitation during ion
exchange.
Step 5: 1 mL of solution was collected in an Eppendorf and was marked with time; t = 0. To
maintain constant volume of 500 mL, 1 mL of DI water was added to the solution.
Step 6: An Iron plate was then hanged inside the beaker such that the whole plate gets
immersed in the solution.
Step 7: 1 mL of solution was collected after an interval of every 15 mins. And to maintain a
constant volume of 500 mL, every time 1 mL of DI water was added. The reaction was
continued for 90 mins.
Step 8: Atomic absorption spectroscopy was then done on the seven samples to determine the
concentration of Cu in them. The values were plotted against time. The data and the plot has
been presented below.

Precaution
Pipetting should be done carefully, at right time and right volume
The setup should not be disturbed
Diluton should be done carefully
Temperature should not fluctuate

Data and Graph

Time Conc. Absorbance

0 1.2673 0.041

15 1.1134 0.037

30 0.9595 0.032

45 0.8463 0.029

60 0.7306 0.025

75 0.6632 0.023
Calculations
From the curve of absorbance v/s concentration, the slope(m) is 0.03.
We know,
A = εCl
⇒ A/C = m = 0.03
⇒ εl = 0.03

Results and Conclusions

1. εl for the samples have a value of 0.03.
2. Copper concentration reduces with time, which shows that the copper is getting reduced .
Thus, it is an effective method for the extraction of copper.