Preparation of Zinc Powders by Acid Electrowinning

Abstract

During the electrowinning of zinc in a mixture electrolyte of zinc sulfate and ammonium sulfate, the effects of current density, Zn²⁺ mass concentration and electrolytic additives on the morphology and current efficiency of Zn powders were evaluated. Finer Zn powders were obtained at high current density and low Zn²⁺ mass concentration. However, the current efficiency decreased. Adding a proper amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate generated spherical Zn powders, and adding ethanol produced dendritic ones.