Alok Kumar Meher

Dr. Alok Kumar Meher


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
18 October 2025 in Minerals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KRKarina Rani
Karina Rani
RPRekha Panda
Rekha Panda
DSDr. Ankur Sharma
Dr. Ankur Sharma
AMAlok Kumar Meher
Alok Kumar Meher
Balram AmbadeBalram Ambade
Balram Ambade
MJManis Kumar Jha
Manis Kumar Jha
Indium, widely used in indium–tin oxide (ITO) coatings for liquid crystal displays (LCDs), is a scarce and strategically important metal with increasing demand. Recycling waste LCD panels offers an efficient secondary source to address supply risks and environmental concerns. In this study, a hydrometallurgical flow sheet was developed under mild conditions for indium (In) recovery. Leaching trials with sulphuric acid at varying concentrations, pulp densities, temperatures, and times showed that 5% H2SO4 (v/v) with 100 g/L pulp density at 60 °C for 30 min achieved ~98% dissolution of In, while minimizing the co-leaching of Al and Sn. Kinetic analysis indicated a diffusion-controlled mechanism for In dissolution with an activation energy of 21.2 kJ mol−1. The leached liquor was further purified through solvent extraction by 20% Cyanex 921 (v/v), achieving optimum In extraction at pH 2.5 with an organic-to-aqueous phase ratio of 1/3, reaching equilibrium within 15 min. The McCabe–Thiele plot shown indicates the complete In extraction in two stages. FT-IR studies confirmed the In-extractant bonding at optimized conditions. 10% H2SO4 (v/v) was used for the stripping of In from the loaded organic, ensuring nearly complete back-transfer of indium with excellent phase separation. The integrated process yielded ~97% In recovery in stripping. The pure salt of Indium could be obtained by evaporation/crystallization of pure indium solution. The developed process has the potential to be transferred for commercial exploitation after scale-up and pilot trial.