Abstract
The electrolytic de-arsenication of technical grade phosphoric acid 85 wt % by cathodic deposition in order to produce chemically pure phosphoric acid was examined. Polarization curves using Cu, Pb, 316L stainless steel and graphite as cathodic rotating discs were determined. The best results were achieved for copper where the arsenic deposition takes place in a range of potentials without hydrogen evolution. Long term experiments in a laboratory batch reactor with a rotating cylinder cathode of copper showed that the electrodeposited arsenic was a non-conductor, poorly adherent and can be detached from the electrode by means of an ultrasonic cleaner. Experimental results with a pilot plant reactor with a three-dimensional cathode of copper nets showed a high degree of scatter. However, typical values of the figures of merit are: fractional conversion per pass 24%, specific energy consumption 250 kWh kg−1 As for a volumetric flow rate of 1.5 dm3 min−1 at 60 A and 3.4 V of cell voltage.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
K. Schrödter, in 'Ullman´s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry', Vol. A19 (VCH Weinheim, 1991), p. 465.
'Food Chemicals Codex' (National Academic Press, Washington DC, 3rd edn, 1981), p. 225.
'National Formulary' (United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Rockville, 1994), p. 2278.
V.M. Norwood III and J.J. Kohler, Fert. Res. 26 (1990) 113.
A.V. Slack, 'Phosphoric Acid', Vol. 1, Part 1 (Marcel Dekker, New York, 1968), chapter 12, p. 971.
J.D. Chwirka, B.M. Thompson and J.M. Stomp III, J. AWWA 92 (2000) 79.
K. Rajeshwar and J. Ibanez, 'Environmental Electrochemistry' (Academic Press, San Diego, 1997), chapter 8, p. 704.
C.W. Stillwell and L.F. Audrieth, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 54 (1932) 472.
G. Wranglén, J. Electrochem. Soc. 108(11) (1961) 1069.
G. Csizi, Chemie-Ing.-Techn. 36 (1964) 686.
Maelgwyn Mineral Services Limited, Mining J. 333 (1999), no. 8562.
A.V. Smetanin, M.K. Smirnov, I.N. Chernykh, V.V. Turygin, A.V. Khudenko, V.A. Fedorov and A.P. Tomilov, Inorg. Mater. 31 (2003) 27.
D. Bejan and N.J. Bunce, J. Appl. Electrochem. 33 (2003) 483.
M.L. Holt, in F. Lowenheim (Ed.), 'Modern Electroplating' (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1974), chapter 17, p. 471.
W. Machu, 'Galvanotecnia Moderna' (Aguilar, Madrid, 1959), chapter XVIII, p. 502.
H.W. Salzberg and B. Goldschmidt, J. Electrochem. Soc. 107 (1960) 348.
G. Kreysa, DECHEMA Monographs 94 (1983) 123.
J. Cano and U. Böhm, Chem. Eng. Sci. 32 (1977) 213.
F.C. Walsh, 'A First Course in Electrochemical Engineering' (Alresford Press, Alresford, 1993), chapter 6, p. 180.
R. Alkire and B. Gracon, J. Electrochem. Soc. 122 (1975) 1594.
J.M. Bisang, J. Appl. Electrochem. 26 (1996) 135.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bisang, J., Bogado, F., Rivera, M. et al. Electrochemical removal of arsenic from technical grade phosphoric acid. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 34, 375–381 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JACH.0000016611.62284.70
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JACH.0000016611.62284.70