OPTIMIZATION OF THE ELECTROWINNING PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION OF ELECTROLYTIC MANGANESE POWDER FROM PASTE OF ZnMnO2 SPENT PRIMARY BATTERIES

Abstract

This study involved the statistical analysis and optimization of the electrowinning process for producing electrolytic manganese powder from the paste of used ZnMnO2 primary batteries, utilizing response surface methodology (RSM). The analysis considered the effect of electrolyte temperature (30 - 50 ), stirring rate (250 - 350 rpm), distance between the anode and the cathode (3 - 10 cm), and current density (200- 600 A/m2) on the cathodic current efficiency, specific energy demand, and powder productivity. The experimental design utilized a Box-Behnken approach, employing quadratic polynomial equations to predict the mathematical models. The findings suggest that the proposed models effectively predict responses within the parameters of the electrowinning process utilized. The most important factors influencing cathodic current efficiency, specific energy demand, and productivity are the current density, the second-order effects of both current density and stirring rate, the distance between the anode and cathode, and the interactions between temperature and current density. Additionally, it was determined that RSM serves as an effective tool for optimizing the electrowinning process.