Kinetic Features of Cd and Zn Cathodic Formations in the Membrane Electrolysis Process

Abstract

Chromate and dichromate solutions used for the activation and passivation of cadmium and zinc galvanic coatings of metal products are widely used due to their ability to form corrosion-protective films. Therefore, in this article, we examined the kinetic features of the cathodic deposition of Cd and Zn during membrane electrolysis. As a result of comprehensive experimental and theoretical studies, the features of Cd and Zn cathodic depositions were analyzed under different hydrodynamic conditions in a submembrane zone of an anolyte. Experimental physicochemical methods such as the experimental analysis of solutions, analytical modeling, and a statistical analysis were used during the research. A regression dependence for evaluating a reaction rate constant was assessed based on the least-square approximation of the proposed model. As a result, the peculiarities of the cathodic formations for Cd and Zn during the membrane electrolysis process were analyzed. The effect of mechanical mixing with different values of the Reynolds number on the deposition of Cd and Zn on a cathode was evaluated. A change in Cd2+ and Zn2+ ion concentrations was also considered during the research. Overall, the obtained results increased the Cd deposition rate by 2.2 times using an active hydrodynamic environment with the anolyte.