Electrowinning of Zinc

ZnSO4 + H2O → Zn + H2SO4 + ½O2

Descripción general

Zinc electrowinning (electroextraction) deposits zinc metal from purified zinc sulfate solution onto aluminum cathodes. The cathode deposit is stripped every 24–48 hours and melted into zinc ingots. The regenerated sulfuric acid is recycled to leach more zinc ore. About 90% of the world's zinc is produced by this hydrometallurgical route.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Water H₂O 1 (l)
Producto Zinc Zn 1 (s)
Producto Sulfuric Acid H₂SO₄ 1 (aq)

Ejemplo cotidiano

Zinc used in galvanized steel, brass, and zinc alloy die-castings is predominantly produced by this electrowinning process.

Importancia industrial

La electroextracción produce aproximadamente 12 millones de toneladas de zinc al año. También se aplica al cobre, cobalto, níquel y manganeso en procesos hidrometalúrgicos.

Propiedades

Tipo
Electrochemical
Reversible
No
Energía
Endotérmico
ΔH
469,0 kJ/mol

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Electrowinning of Zinc?
The balanced equation is: ZnSO₄ + H₂O → Zn + H₂SO₄ + ½O₂.
What type of reaction is Electrowinning of Zinc?
Electrowinning of Zinc is a electrochemical reaction.
Is Electrowinning of Zinc exothermic or endothermic?
Electrowinning of Zinc is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 469.0 kJ/mol.