Comparison between fixed and fluidized bed cathodes and effect of supporting electrolyte in electrochemical removal of copper ion from dilute solutions

Comparison between fixed and fluidized bed cathodes was experimentally investigated in a circulated-batch system. The cell was made of a Perspex column of cylindrical shape; the inside diameter and the height were 10 and 70 cm, respectively. The results indicated that the performance of the fixed bed is better than that of fluidized bed considering the rate of removal percent and current efficiency.Experimental study of the role of the supporting electrolyte in electrolytic cells confirmed that, type and concentration of supporting electrolyte have a remarkable effect on the two aforementioned parameters as well as the rate of removal. Using of NaCl showed better results than Na2SO4.