Effect of sulfurdioxide on cobalt electrowinning

The study focused on the use of sulfurdioxide on the cobalt electrowinning and its advantages over conventional electrowinning cell practice are reported. The results indicated that addition of sulfur dioxide in the electrowinning cell reduces the sludge formation with small increase in the current efficiency. SEM response showed an improvement in morphology and DSC analysis gave an idea of the microstructure which is close to FCC lattice system.

► SO2 is a versatile reagent used for leaching of CoOOH.
► In cobalt electrowinning CoOOH is formed at the anode.
► Thus the use of SO2 for the prevention of CoOOH during electrowinning is studied.
► Addition of SO2 improves productivity and morphology of the deposits by reducing the sludge (CoOOH) formation.