Prelab Report Experiment No.

Electrowinning of Zinc from Zinc Sulphate Solution

Department of Chemical Engineering University of Waterloo

Course: CHE 391 Chemical Engineering Lab 4 Group R members: Chun F. Choy (20350816) Sajun Vins (20296418) Mohammad Reza Zoolfagharian (20364263) Preliminary Report Submittal Date: November 8, 2012

1.0 Objective The objective of this experiment is to observe how changing the Zn concentration, Acidity, and the addition of additives affect the performance of the Zn electrowinning process. 2.0 Summary The equipment used in this experiment includes: D. C. power supply, multimeter, switch box, aluminium cathodes, lead anodes, electrolytic cells, drying oven, analytical balance and zinc sulfate solutions. The experimental setup of the electrowinning cell is shown in the figure below.

Figure 1: Experimental setup of the electrowinning cell There are three main parts in this experiment which are designed to determine the effects of zinc concentration, acidity and additives on the electrowinning process of zinc. The experimental procedure is outlined as follows. Part A: Effect of Zinc Concentration 1. Weigh the aluminum cathodes and measure the diameter of electrowinning cells. 2. Assemble the four cells with spacers in between and measure the spacing between each anode (lead) and cathode (aluminum). 3. Tighten the assembly firmly to seal each cell against the electrodes. 4. Fill each cell with water using the squeeze bottle over the sink and check for any leakage. 5. Pour out water and fill each cell with 50 mL of designed electrolye solution. Gloves should be worn as per safety precaution. 6. Connect all the cells in series using short wires with alligator clips

7. Connect lead electrode (anode) to the positive terminal of D.C. power supply and aluminium electrode (cathode) to negative terminal 8. Connect the switch box to multimeter and then turn on power supply as well as voltage control knob which should be turned in clockwise direction all the way. The current control knob should be turned to acquire a value of 0.6 amperes. 9. Measure and record the voltage and temperature of each cell every five minutes until a steady-state is reached in 30 minutes. After the end of the experiment, switch of everything and disconnect all wires. Discard electrolytes in appropriate waste containers and rinse the cells with deionized water. 10. Remove the cathodes and place them to dry in an oven at 110 degree Celsius. Remove them from the oven after 20 minutes and record the weight. Part B: Effect of Acidity 11. Repeat the procedure in Part A using electrolytes with different acid concentration and same zinc concentration. Part C: Effect of Additives 12. Repeat the procedure in Part A using electrolytes which contain Sb(III) or any other additive. The composition of zinc and acid must be the same as in Part A. The volume of additive solution to be added to each respective cell is ranging from 60 to 140 micro litres. 3.0 Equations Current efficiency (CE):

= current used for Zn deposition = total applied current

is related to the mass of Zn deposited by Faradays Law:

n = number of electrons transferred per mol of Zn plated

F = Faraday constant (96488 C/mol or 26.8 Ah/mol) m = mass of Zn deposited (g) = atomic mass of zinc (65.37 g/mol) t = duration of electrolysis

Specific energy consumption (SEC):

Specific Energy Consumption is usually expressed in units of kWh/tonne

4.0 Possible Hazards Gloves, Lab coat, and safety goggle must be worn during the experiment. Sulphuric acid is very hazardous in case of skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, and ingestion. Skin contact may produce burns and inhalation of the spray mist may produce severe irritation of respiratory tract, characterized by coughing, choking, or shortness of breath.[1] Eye contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention immediately.[1] Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Cold water may be used. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately.[1] Serious skin Contact: Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial cream. Seek immediate medical attention.[1] Zinc is also being used in this experiment. It is slightly hazardous in case of skin and eye contact. Some of the precautions are: keeping zinc away from heat, sources of ignition and all the equipments containing the material should be grounded.[2] In case of eye contact, check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.. Get medical attention if irritation occurs.[2]

In case of skin contact, wash with soap and water. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Get medical attention if irritation develops.[2]

5.0 Experimental Data Sheet

Part A: Effect of Zinc Concentration Diameter of Electrowinning Cells: Initial Weight of Aluminum Cathodes: Final Weight of Aluminum Cathodes: Time Temperature Voltage

Texture and Features of Deposits:

Part B: Effect of Acidity Diameter of Electrowinning Cells: Initial Weight of Aluminum Cathodes: Final Weight of Aluminum Cathodes: Acid Concentration: Zinc Concentration: Time Temperature Voltage

Texture and Features of Deposits:

Part C: Effect of Additives Diameter of Electrowinning Cells: Initial Weight of Aluminum Cathodes: Final Weight of Aluminum Cathodes: Time Temperature Voltage

Texture and Features of Deposits:

6.0 References [1] Material Safety Data SheetSulphuric acid, http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php? msdsId=9925146 (accessed Nov. 7, 2012) [2] Material Safety Data SheetZinc, http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9925476 (accessed Nov. 7, 2012)