TCE     
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The Chemical Educator
ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)
Abstract Volume 7
Issue 1 (2002) pp 40-46
Rationalizing Nonideal Results from Undivided-Cell Electrowinning Experiments
Michael D. Gernon* and Christine Trumpfheller
Atofina Chemicals, King of Prussia Research & Development Center,
900 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Received April 27, 2001. Accepted August 1, 2001
Published online: 1 February 2002
Abstract. The appropriate
interpretation of mass-balance data from undivided-cell electrowinning
experiments allows for the determination of some simple aspects of metal-cation
speciation within the electrolysis solution. The data that needs to be
collected is limited to the ratio of the amount of acid produced to the
amount of metal removed from the solution. By analysis of a simplified
model of the electrowinning experiment, the ability to use such data to
determine certain limits of metal-cation speciation is demonstrated. The
overall treatment is useful in demonstrating to chemistry students that
significant conclusions can be drawn from easily collected data when the
system under consideration is well-understood.
Key Words: Laboratories and Demonstrations; general chemistry; electrowinning; metal-cation
(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: Michael.Gernon@atofina.com)
Article in PDF format (316 KB) HTML format
Issue date: February 1, 2002
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