Lab scale chromium electrowinning in a d

Turkey holds a significant 6% share in global chromite mining, with ferrochromium being crucial for exports. The process of chromium electrowinning begins with the extraction of chromium from chromite, though utilizing chromite ore presents challenges due to the complexity of processing steps. Given Turkey's vast chromite reserves and its role as a major ferrochromium producer, the domestic production of electrolytic chromium is critical. This study investigates laboratory-scale chromium electrolysis conducted with a diaphragm-type cell, evaluating various anode materials including pure lead, Pb-Ca-Sn alloy, carbon plate, pressed & sintered graphite, and IrO2-coated titanium, under controlled conditions (temperature of 52°C, solution pH of 2.1, a current density of 750 A/m², and electrolyte concentrations of 40 g/L Cr and 90 g/L NH4+). The impact of the head difference (Δh) between catholyte and anolyte levels on cathode morphology was also assessed through SEM analyses. The results highlight that the IrO2-coated titanium anode emerged as the most effective option, demonstrating both the lowest cell potential and minimal generation of Cr6+ in the anolyte.