METHOD FOR REMOVAL OF MONOVALENT IONS FROM ZNSO4 ELECTROLYTE BY ELECTRODIALYSIS

摘要

Monovalent ions, especially chloride, fluoride and thallium, are efficiently removed from ZnSO4 electrolyte by electrodialysis using alternating monovalent anion permselective membranes and cation exchange membranes or monovalent cation permselective membranes. Electrodialysis is carried out under turbulent flow conditions, at up to 60 DEG C, a differential membrane pressure of less than 150 kPa, a current density of 10 to 500 A/m2, and a pH of less than 5.5. Where both chloride and fluoride are removed a pH of 3.5 to 5.5 is maintained. Deposition of manganese and zinc on the electrodes is minimized by at least one of a number of means including arranging the membranes such that the end membranes are monovalent anion permselective; selecting a large electrode rinse flow; adding a small amount of soluble antimony and/or cobalt to the rinse flow; and using a cathode made of a material that promotes hydrogen evolution over zinc deposition. The electrode compartments are preferably rinsed with a 0.1 to 1.0 M Na2SO4 solution at pH 0 to 4.