Eleectrolysis Powder Process of Soda Solution
Soda solution electrolysis powder process (SSEPP) is a novel technique for the production of powders from aqueous solutions of inorganic chemicals. It is a mild method for the preparation of high-purity metal powders, molecular species, and hydrated salts. The technique utilizes the phenomenon of anode dissolution and cathodic reduction to generate metal ions, or molecules, in solution with simultaneous precipitation of species at the cathode. Consequently, the amount of metal ions, or molecules, in the solution are controlled based on the applied potential. Furthermore, the process is versatile and provides a range of achievable product sizes, physical characteristics, and rates of dissolution.
The SSEPP process starts by filling a cell with an electrolyte composed of a salt and a solvent (e.g. sodium chloride and water). This electrolytic system is then energised by applying a DC voltage, typically in the range of 1 to 5 volts. The anode, which is composed of the metal to be produced, dissolves in the solution and eventually reaches a steady-state of dissolution, where the current and rate of dissolution are constant. Meanwhile, at the cathode, species in the solution are reduced and form as an insoluble precipitate.
The type and size of the precipitate formed depends on several factors, including the nature of reducing species, the electrolyte, currents and applied voltage. In the case of metallic species, small clusters of atoms (approximately 1-30nm) and extended ore-like particles (up to 1000nm) can form. Such particles have a large surface area and a homogeneous distribution of crystals that are high in purity and free of foreign, impurity particles. Therefore, SSEPP provides a particularly advantageous method for the preparation of small particles and nano-sized species.
Another great benefit of SSEPP is its ability to produce particles with tailored properties. For example, the size, rate of dissolution and morphology of the particles can all be tailored to suit the desired application. This is achieved by manipulation of the electrolyte composition and parameters of the electrolysis process including the current, voltage and time of electrolysis.
The SSEPP process has potential applications in a wide range of areas including chemistry, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering and materials science. Indeed, SSEPP has been utilized for the preparation of ultra-pure powders for many inorganic and organic chemicals, including metals, alloys, salts, zeolites, proteins and polymers.
The ability to prepare particles of high purity and desired size makes the SSEPP process a superior replacement for traditional synthesis methods in many industries and fields. The process is scalable and is capable of producing high yields with only minimal energy usage. Furthermore, the process can be applied to a variety of solutions, allowing for the production of particles from numerous different feedstocks. Thus, the SSEPP process is an attractive and efficient means of powder production for many different chemicals.
