Mn–Se interactions at the cathode interface during the electrolytic-manganese process

The Mn–Se interaction at the cathode interface during the electrolytic-manganese process was characterized by square-wave voltammetry and linear-sweep voltammetry. The mechanism of the effects of trace-amount SeO2 additive was analyzed. When SeO2 was added, α-MnSe was the only Mn–Se species that formed on the cathode surface. This species is critical to the activities of the cathode. During electrolysis, an electrochemical equilibrium exists among α-MnSe, Mn2 +, and Se(IV). This equilibrium can be controlled by varying the concentrations of Mn2 + and SeO2, through which the electrolytic-manganese process can be improved.