ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION OF THALLIUM METAL AND ITS OXIDE FROM TL(I) AND TL(III) NITRATES

The cathodic and anodic deposition of thallium as a pure metal or its oxide from different baths containing Tl(I) or Tl(III) nitrates with s ome suitable additives has been investigated. The quantity and quality of the metal and its oxide have been found to be dependent on the typ e of the bath used. The effect of different parameters such as pH (1-1 2), current density (0.01-4.0 A dm(-2)), temperature (20-60 degrees C) , electrode type (platinum and graphite), metal and additives concentr ation on the cathodic and anodic efficiencies and on the quality of de posit has been studied. The interfering effect of some cations and ani ons has also been studied. Spectrophotometric, polarographic, AAS and X-ray diffraction techniques revealed the purity of Separated deposit to be 99.9%. A suitable mechanism for the formation of the element and its oxide is suggested. An analytical application for preconcentratio n and separation of thallium from its natural ores and alloys using th e proposed electrolytic method has been found to be satisfactory and s uccessful.