ELECTROGENERATIVE OXIDATION OF FERROUS-IONS WITH GRAPHITE-ELECTRODES

Electrogenerative oxidation of ferrous ions in Fe2+/O2 cells to regene rate ferric ions for further use is demonstrated and some results for a hybrid type laboratory-scale reactor are presented. The use of graph ite particle, packed-bed anodes for ferrous oxidation with gas diffusi on type cathodes for oxygen reduction enables these cells to produce f erric ions at moderate current densities and low cell voltages in sulp huric acid solutions. These cells which utilize the rapid electrochemi cal, ferrous oxidation rate on graphite catalytic electrodes without a ny need for an external power source have potential application in hyd rometallurgical leaching systems as well as in sulphur dioxide cleanup processes which incorporate the use of ferric ions. Continuous feed s tream operation under mild conditions is a special advantage.