The influence of nickel ions and triethylbenzylammonium chloride on the electrowinning of zinc from sulphate electrolytes containing manganese ions

By means of potentiodynamic dissolution of the deposited zinc, the influence of nickel ions and triethylbenzylammonium chloride (TEBA) on the electrowinning of zinc from sulphate electrolytes is studied. In the presence of a “Nafion” 423 cationic membrane separating the electrode compartments, the influence of nickel ions is weakened. The membrane prevents access to the cathode by the oxidized products from the anode, which intensify the harmful action of nickel ions. The organic additive TEBA inhibits the process of zinc redissolution. The inhibiting action is stronger when the compartments are separated.