Towards Using MMO Anodes in Zinc Electrorefining: Mn Removal by Simulated Plant Off-Gas

Implementing mixed metal oxide (MMO) anodes in zinc electrowinning is highly desired due to the considerable reduction in electrical energy consumption. However, the presence of manganese in the electrolyte is a major obstacle for implementing MMO anodes in the zinc cell houses. In this work, we explore the possibility of using plant off-gas, containing SO2, to remove manganese. A SO2/air gas mixture with different SO2 and O2 concentrations was therefore used for the oxidative precipitation of manganese. It was shown that the manganese oxidation reaction is highly pH-dependent. Calcium hydroxide was used to control the pH during the process. Different operating parameters, i.e., pH, SO2/air ratio, reaction time, and effect of cobalt as a reaction catalyst, were investigated. Optimal conditions for manganese removal were reported. Under the optimal conditions, the manganese concentration decreased from 1 g L−1 to less than 1 mg L−1 within 30 min. Precipitates were characterized using EDS, XRF, and XPS techniques and showed coprecipitation of manganese, zinc, gypsum, and cobalt.