Electrochemical production of cuprous iodide using the anode-support system

This paper describes the application of an anode-support system to the elec trolytic production of cuprous iodide by the anodic dissolution of metallic copper in an acidic potassium iodide solution. At the cathode the reductio n of iodine to iodide is carried out. It has been determined that it is pos sible to utilize in the process an AISI-316 L stainless steel mesh basket l oaded with small pieces of high-grade copper scrap. Under the operating con ditions used the AISI-316 L stainless steel remains passive and acts only a s an electrical contact between the copper pieces and the external current source. As cathode system, an AISI-316 L stainless steel mesh surrounded by a polypropylene diaphragm was utilized. As recommended operating condition s, a solution of KI: 40 g dm(-3) and I-2: 20 g dm(-3), pH: 1.8 +/- 0.2, cur rent density: 1.0 A dm(-2), T: 20 +/- 1 degrees C, can be used. Good qualit y cuprous iodide powder (99.8% purity) was obtained. The energy consumption was 0.21 kWh (kg CuI)(-1). (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.