CURRENT EFFICIENCY IN ELECTROMETALLURGY

M.Haris Hidayat 3334090554

1

OUTLINE
Introduction Current efficiency <100% Current efficiency >100% Conclutions References

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION (cont)

Current efficiency is the effective utilization of current

CURRENT EFFICIENCY < 100%

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Mechanical losses of substances formed at the electrodes. Evaporation of the metal from the cathode. Reaction of electrolysis product with the electrolyte. Dissolution of the metal in the electrolyte. Current losses due to presence of moisture. Deposition of unwanted products

2. Evaporation of the metal from the cathode

This is likely happen if the metal is produced at a temperature near its boiling point Example: Sodium (BP: 892oC) produced from molten sodium chloride (MP: 801oC)

4. Dissolution of the metal in the electrolyte

a metal may dissolve in its own salt thus causing loss of output and lowering of apparent current efficiency

5. Current losses due to presence of moisture

Some molten salts may be higroscopic HIGROSCOPIC?
Higroscopic is the property of absorbing moisture from the air
8

6. Deposition of unwanted products

Electrolysis of Solution ZnSO4 Cathode : Zn2+ + 2e- Anode : 2 H 2O Zn 4H+ + O2 + 4e-

CURRENT EFFICIENCY >100%

The difference in nobility between the cathode substrate and the metal in solution Q & A.htm

10

CURRENT EFFICIENCY >100% (cont)

Experience has suggested that the current is dependent on a range of factors, including mass transport (stirring), applied potential, temperature, and the amount (weight or surface area) of feed available for oxidation AIWO1-PR30-Campbell-Kelly.pdf
11

Conclutions
Current efficiency mean parameter success of electrometallurgy process Presence of additives of impurities can effect current efficiency

12

References
H.S. RAY and A.GHOST. PRINCIPLES OF EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY. TERKEL ROSENQVIST. PRINCIPLES OF EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY 2nd edition. PE Ted mooney. 2011. How can electroplating cathode current have efficiency less than or more than 100%? http://www.finishing.com/570/25.shtml. [26 Maret 2012] R.P. Campbell-Kelly, T.J. Paget. Electrorefining of Cerium in LiCl-KCl Molten Salts. Proceedings of the First ACSEPT International Workshop. 2010. http://www.acsept.org/AIWOproc/AIWO1-PR30Campbell-Kelly.pdf. [25 Maret 2012]

13