Electrowinning of cobalt I. Winning from pure cobalt sulphate bath

Abstract

Electrowinning of cobalt from a pure cobalt sulphate bath was carried out. Effects of current density, cobalt concentration in the bath, temperature, etc. on current efficiency and on the nature of the deposit were studied. The results indicate that bath pH and temperature play major roles in the cobalt deposition. A high current efficiency can be achieved at relatively low temperature and relatively high bath pH (pH > 4.0). Further, at relatively low bath pH and high temperature (∼60°C), a high current efficiency can also be obtained; however, in the former case the deposited cobalt is dull and brittle and malleable in nature.