The influence of initial antimony concentration, cathode current density, the concentrations of Na2S and NaOH, gas sparging and electrolyte temperature on average cell voltage, specific energy and current efficiency of antimony deposition has been studied. The experiments were conducted in a nondiaphragm electrolytic cell. Results revealed that increase in initial antimony concentration, temperature of the electrolyte and NaOH concentration enhanced the current efficiency. Excessive sodium sulphide concentration in the electrolyte promotes the formation of unwanted polysulphide and thiosulphate ions which can significantly decrease the current efficiency of the process. Sparging of the electrolyte facilitates a smooth and adherent antimony deposit with an improved purity. About 99.6% antimony purity was achieved when the electrolyte was sparged at 10 mL/min. The result showed that increase in NaOH concentration considerably promotes the formation of sulphate ions as the main anodic product. Anodic current efficiencies of 98% and 99% based on the amount of sulphate formed were obtained at sodium hydroxide concentrations of 8.75 M and 10 M, respectively. Average cell potential increased with increasing NaOH concentration and cathode current density. The preferred crystallographic orientations of the antimony deposit obtained at 2.5 M NaOH concentration are in the orders (012) (202) (110) (104), but the order becomes (012) (110) (104) (202) when NaOH concentration is increased further. The order of crystal orientations for antimony electrodeposition at 50 A/m2 cathodic current density is (012) (110) (104) (202), which does not change with increasing cathode current density but the peaks at (110) (104) (202) crystal planes become more broadened and suppressed as current density increased.
Validerad; 2013; 20130316 (samawe)