Physicochemical Fundamentals for the Synthesis of Zinc Oxide in Molten Chlorides

Abstract

The oxidation of chloride ions in molten mixtures of zinc chloride and alkali metals (Na, K) is studied during oxygen bubbling at a temperature of 600°C. The dependence of the quantity of formed chlorine on the molar ratio of the chlorides in a mixture is found. The quantity of formed chlorine is shown to be directly proportional to the effective polarizing power of a cation. The following kinetic characteristics of the oxidation of chloride ions with respect to chlorine are calculated: the order of reaction, the reaction rate constants, and the apparent activation energy. Zn oxide is extracted and the dispersity, the chemical composition, and the specific surface area of some samples are determined.