Replacement of lead-silver anodes with Ti-based anodes in zinc electrowinning process: (feasibility, coating developement, side effects, performance and energy efficiency)

这项研究和发展计划旨在提高锌电解过程的能源效率。两个工业合作伙伴支持这项研究计划；CEZinc和加拿大奥图泰公司。主要研究内容是用泰坦阳极代替传统的铅银阳极。钛阳极在降低电解池的析氧电位方面表现出良好的性能。这种潜在的300到400 mV的降低可以转化为每年节省近100吉瓦时的能源，或约10%的电解能耗。然而，为了使用新的阳极，它们的长期性能需要验证，并且需要开发外围技术；即电解池中锰和氯浓度的控制。第二个研究领域涉及提高锌溶液净化过程的效率。更具体地说，钴胶结过程是有针对性的。目前，约6%的锌产量被重新注入该工艺以去除钴。****因此，本研究计划旨在开发管理电解液中Mn和Cl的新技术，验证钛阳极在锌电解过程中的性能，并通过制备锌粉的新方法提高钴胶结过程的效率。作为这项研究计划的一部分，所获得的成果将为我们的合作伙伴带来相当大的技术优势；CEZinc和ototec .**

This research and development program aims to improve the energy efficiency of the zinc electrolysis process. Two industrial partners support this research program; CEZinc and Outotec Canada. The main research component is the replacement of conventional Pb-Ag anodes with titan anodes. Ti anodes have demonstrated a good performance in reducing the potential for oxygen evolution in electrolysis cells. This potential reduction of about 300 to 400 mV can translate into energy savings of nearly 100 GWh per year, or about 10% of the energy consumption of electrolysis. However, in order to use new anodes, their long-term performance needs to be validated and peripheral technologies need to be developed; i.e. the control of Mn and Cl concentrations in the electrolysis cells. The second area of research involves increasing the efficiency of purification process of the zinc solution. More particularly, the cobalt cementation process is targeted. Currently about 6% of zinc production is reinjected into the process for the removal of cobalt.****This research program therefore aims to develop new technologies for the management of Mn and Cl in the electrolyte, to validate the performance of titanium anodes in the zinc electrolysis process, and to increase the efficiency of the cobalt cementation process by a new method of preparing Zn powders. The results obtained as part of this research program will give a considerable technological advantage to our partners; CEZinc and Outotec.**