Electrowinning of Zinc

ZnSO4 + H2O → Zn + H2SO4 + ½O2

Aperçu

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.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Water H₂O 1 (l)
Produit Zinc Zn 1 (s)
Produit Sulfuric Acid H₂SO₄ 1 (aq)

Exemple du quotidien

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

Importance industrielle

Electrowinning produces about 12 million tonnes of zinc annually. It is also used for copper, cobalt, nickel, and manganese recovery.

Propriétés

Type
Electrochemical
Réversible
Non
Énergie
Endothermique
ΔH
469,0 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

Electrolysis of Water Electrolytic Production of Chlorate Electrorefining of Copper Alkaline Battery Discharge Anodizing of Aluminum Cathodic Protection (Zinc Sacrificial Anode) Chlor-Alkali Electrolysis Chrome Electroplating Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction to CO

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.