THE EFFECT OF NONIONIC SURFACTANT ON ELECTROWINNING OF ZINC FROM SYNTHETIC ACID SULFATE ELECTROLYTES

The effect of non-ionic surfactant, Triton X - 100, on the current efficiency, cell voltage, energy consumption, morphology ands orientation of zinc deposits electrowon at several acid concentrations and current densities from synthetic acid sulphate electrolytes have been determined. Current efficiencies varied from 60 to 86% and energy consumption were in the range 3000 to 4800 KWh/t according to operating conditions. Surfactant presence changes significantly the morphology of zinc deposits. Mathematical equation was given to provide a fast quantitative estimate for the electrical energy consumption with various operating parameters and surfactant concentrations.