The performance of zinc electrowinning process in presence of surface active agent

The effect of Tween-80 surfactant on the performance of zinc electrowinning was determined using a series of current efficiencies tests, and cell voltage measurements. Zinc current efficiency varied from 52 to 93 % according to applied current density, zinc/acid concentration ratio and Tween-80 concentration. The energy consumption of the process and the morphology of zinc deposits were also evaluated. Energy values varied from 2850 to 4470 KWh/t according to operating conditions, Empirical correlation's were given to provide a quicker and accurate estimate for energy consumption's for zinc electrodeposition from electrolytes without and with surfactant additions. The effect of addition of Ni, Co with Tween-80 surfactant on current efficiency and deposit morphology was determined.