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Comparison of gold, platinum and sulfide ion selective electrodes as sensors for Eh measurement in sulfide solutions

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Abstract

A comparison of gold, platinum and sulfide ion selective electrodes was made for determination of Eh in solutions containing hydrosulfide ions as a model system. The comparison was made in terms of the accuracy of the measured response, response time, pH dependence, and reproducibility of measurement. The sensitivity of each electrode towards changes in hydrosulfide ion concentration was measured in terms of the change in measured Eh per decade change in concentration. On the basis of a detailed investigation of the electrode processes occurring at the surface of gold and platinum electrodes, it was postulated that within the pH range investigated these electrodes respond to changes in the hydrosulfide ion concentration in solution. In comparison, the sulfide ion selective electrode is known to respond to changes in the sulfide ion activity in solution. Although the potentials measured with gold and platinum electrodes were mixed potentials, pretreatment procedures can be used to obtain a signal suitable for process control. For control of hydrosulfide ions in flotation pulps, the use of a gold electrode pretreated at 1.0 V with respect to a standard hydrogen electrode is recommended.

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SME preprint 90-156, SME Annual Meeting, Feb. 26–March 1, 1990, Salt Lake City, UT. M&MP paper 90-624.

Discussion of this paper must be submitted, in duplicate, prior to Aug. 30, 1991.

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Zhou, R., Chander, S. Comparison of gold, platinum and sulfide ion selective electrodes as sensors for Eh measurement in sulfide solutions. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 8, 91–96 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402938

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402938

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