Abstract
The electrochemical reduction process of ZnFe2O4 in NaCl-CaCl2 melts was studied. Thermodynamic analysis shows that the reduction process of ZnFe2O4 is carried out in multiple steps, and it is difficult to reduce Fe3+ to Fe in one step. Electrochemical tests revealed that the reduction process of ZnFe2O4 includes three steps: First, Fe3+ is reduced to Fe in two steps, then Zn2+ is reduced to Zn in one step. The reduction of Fe3+ on the Mo electrode is a reversible process controlled by diffusion, while the reduction of Zn2+ is an irreversible process controlled by diffusion. The influence of electrolysis voltage and temperature on the process of electric deoxidation has also been studied. It is indicated that properly increasing the temperature is conducive to the diffusion of oxygen ions, thereby increasing the deoxidation rate. With the gradual increase of voltage, the reduction process of ZnFe2O4 is ZnFe2O4 → FeO + ZnO → Fe + ZnO → Fe + Zn.
Highlights
Lots of solid slag containing ZnFe2O4 are inevitably produced in the process of zinc metallurgy [1,2]
In order to obtain zinc and iron, ZnFe2O4 is subjected to zinc-iron separation by electro-deoxidation in melts [4,5]
Thermodynamic analysis and electrochemical testing methods are applied to explore the electrochemical mechanism of zinc and iron separation in melts
Summary
Lots of solid slag containing ZnFe2O4 are inevitably produced in the process of zinc metallurgy [1,2]. The massive accumulation of these solid residues causes serious waste of resources and pollution to the air and soil [3]. In order to obtain zinc and iron, ZnFe2O4 is subjected to zinc-iron separation by electro-deoxidation in melts [4,5]. This process can realize the reduction and extraction of two metals from the waste residue. Because of the electrolysis process carried out in the solid oxide, even if the melting point of the two metals in the product is quite different, the desired alloy can still be prepared [6].
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