Mn–Se interactions at the cathode interface during the electrolytic-manganese process

The Mn–Se interaction at the cathode interface during the electrolytic-manganese process was characterized by square-wave voltammetry and linear-sweep voltammetry. The mechanism of the effects of trace-amount SeO2 additive was analyzed. When SeO2 was added, α-MnSe was the only Mn–Se species that formed on the cathode surface. This species is critical to the activities of the cathode. During electrolysis, an electrochemical equilibrium exists among α-MnSe, Mn2 +, and Se(IV). This equilibrium can be controlled by varying the concentrations of Mn2 + and SeO2, through which the electrolytic-manganese process can be improved.

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► Mn–Se interactions at the cathode interface in the EM process were analyzed by SWV.
► α-MnSe was found to be the only Mn–Se intermediate on the cathode in the EM process.
► The formation of α-MnSe at the cathode interface is a key step in the EM process.
► The mechanism of the trace-amount Se additive (CSeO2:CMn2 + < 0.001) have been discussed.