Effects of anode slime removing by Fe2+ dissolution method on electrochemical properties of Pb-0.6%Ag anode and zinc electrowinning

Abstract

Fe²⁺ dissolution method and manual method were used to remove the anode slime and their effects on properties of cast Pb-0.6wt.%Ag anode and zinc electrowinning were compared. The results reveal that the Fe²⁺ dissolution method can avoid mechanical damage to the oxide film layer on the anode surface, which cannot be achieved by traditional manual method. This can lower the anode corrosion rate by 57.14%, thus reducing Pb contamination in electrolyte and zinc products. Meanwhile, compared with manual method, Fe²⁺ dissolution method can significantly improve the electrocatalytic activity of the anode and lower the initial power consumption of zinc electrowinning to 2720 kW·h/t after removing anode slime.